Rain and thunderstorms will continue across the region for the next few days with occasional heavy downpours. Cloud to ground lightning will be likely too. Isolated thunderstorms developed during the early part of the morning commute right over Lafayette. We had quite a bit of lightning and thunder, and a few areas of gusty winds early on. Even a waterspout was seen over the Gulf waters early this morning! Thanks to the gang at Eugene Island 63 for the pic!
As of mid morning some of the activity has tapered off, but as the temperatures warm back into the mid 80s with a little bit of sunshine more storms should get going. With these storms moving very slowly there could be some localized street flooding. Temperatures should hold just below the 90 degree mark.
Since the beginning of July, total rains have been much better than during the month of June. Many areas are starting to see the drought conditions ease. With the current forecast it looks like we’ll end the month of July a bit above normal on total rainfall. As of the end of the day yesterday, we have made up over 2.5″ from the rainfall deficit. We’re about 7.5″ below normal for the year now. In New Iberia the totals are still 9.5 inches below normal, but that’s way better than the 12″ deficit at the end of June! New Iberia still leads the area when it comes to drought. Alexandria is a close second. Lake Charles seems to be doing the best, now just over 2 inches below normal for the year. The next two weeks look pretty good for rainfall too. Some models I’m looking at show average amounts up to 4 or 5 inches over the next 14 days. Of course heavy, slow moving storms can bring those kind of totals in an hour or so!
What’s also nice about this rainfall forecast is none of it appears to be generated by any tropical activity. All of the extended models I’ve looked at show mostly quiet conditions. Only one model hints at a tropical wave trying to get organized east of the Leeward Islands, but this isn’t showing up until after the 1st week in August is over. Wouldn’t it be nice to see the season stay this quiet. I know it’s wishful thinking, but how wonderful it would be to just sit back and enjoy the rest of the summer without any worries from the Gulf? And..I’d love to see the start of the school year uninterrupted! Wouldn’t you??