More upper-level ridging = fewer severe storms!

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – It appears that the influence of upper-level high pressure is beginning to increase over the ArkLaTex.  As that influence continues to grow and become more persistent in the coming weeks, the frequency of severe weather in our area will continue to decline.

During the next week, a large upper-level ridge will settle over the Gulf.  We will see a few disturbances flow over the top side of the ridge, bringing a chance for scattered storms.  As I mentioned in yesterday’s Weather Worries article, the farther you are away from the ridge, the better your chances of storms.  My severe weather concern remains rather limited.  It still appears that one or two storms could become severe late Saturday and Saturday night.  A second disturbance could bring a few strong storms to mainly the northern third of the area next Tuesday night. My level of worry remains at 3 out of 10.  

Rainfall totals from now through next Friday will probably be highest over NE TX, SW AR, & SE OK, where 1 to 1.5” will be possible.  Amounts in East Texas and NW LA will probably be less than 1”

Another impact of upper-level high pressure is more heat.  High temperatures during the next ten days will mainly be in the upper 80s to lower 90s.  Overnight lows will remain in the 70s for the next several nights, and could cool into the mid to upper 60s by the last half of next week.