Funnel clouds spotted, more possible

You don’t have to walk more than a few steps out of your air-conditioned home, car or office this Saturday afternoon to notice that the air throughout southern Louisiana is pretty “thick.” The combination of rising daytime temperatures and high relative humidity makes the afternoon air feel more like a suffocating blanket than a substance needed for life.

This is nothing new for residents of Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Crowley and countless other communities located south of the coast or Interstate 10. It is precisely this region of Louisiana that the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles is concerned about this afternoon.

As you can see from the NWS temperature map in Lake Charles, it will be very hot during the day. Combined with the humidity, the feels from midday until well after sunset will be “unhealthy” for even the most fit individuals.

The combination of heat and humidity can destabilize the atmosphere and provide the “fuel” necessary for large thunderstorms to form. Again, this is not unusual for this part of Louisiana at this time of year. However, this afternoon, the National Weather Service is warning of an additional danger associated with these thunderstorms.

That means it could rotate and form a funnel cloud or even a tornado. Here’s what the NWS Lake Charles Special Weather Advisory said.

…TROPICAL FUNNEL CLOUD VISIBLE...

At 1130 a.m. CDT… the National Weather Service received a
Report of a funnel cloud near Sabine Pass.

A very humid and unstable tropical air mass is located
the area. Meanwhile… the vertical wind profile over the area
is light and variable. These conditions are favorable for the
Development of tropical funnel clouds … especially where rain
cooled borders…known as outflow borders…and the
Sea breeze collides.

These tropical funnel clouds are usually short-lived and
reach the ground. When the funnel cloud gets stronger and
reaches the ground…minor damage could occur…and a tornado
A warning will probably be issued.

Basically, the message is, “Don’t be surprised if you see a funnel cloud.” The message is also, “Don’t be alarmed, but be prepared to seek shelter just in case.”

Most people are probably more concerned about the heat this afternoon. It can be deadly. And we should also mention the dangers of lightning. If there is a strong storm, there will probably be a “light show” as well.