Heat, humidity and thunderstorms to plague area of Gulf Coast ravaged by Laura

 By Ryan Adamson, AccuWeather meteorologist

Published Aug. 28, 2020 7:05 AM

As people begin the long process of cleaning up the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Laura, the weather will not be ideal. Even though the weather will pale in comparison to Laura, several factors will make cleanup efforts difficult.

"Low-level moisture will continue to stream across the Gulf Coast, while a few disturbances at the jet stream level of the atmosphere will allow the weather for the areas hardest hit by Laura to remain unsettled through this weekend," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Mary Gilbert. "Afternoon showers or thunderstorms are possible each day into early week."

Some areas will stay drier than others, given the typical spotty nature of summertime showers and thunderstorms. However, even in the absence of additional rain, conditions will not be favorable for the cleanup and for those returning after evacuating.

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"The air mass over much of the Gulf Coast will remain rather humid and sticky through early week as evacuated residents are allowed to return to their homes," Gilbert said. "To complicate matters for cleanup crews, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are expected to trend 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit above the actual mercury reading during the hottest part of the day."

With many areas expected to endure highs in the 90s, the high humidity will make it feel like it is well over 100 degrees.

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"Those who must clean up damage to their property or surrounding areas will need to exercise caution by drinking plenty of water and allowing for frequent breaks to prevent heat-related illness," Gilbert cautioned.

Even in areas where damage was minimal, many locations are without power. Therefore, the heat and humidity will make it uncomfortable in the absence of air conditioning. With temperatures during the nights only falling into the 70s, this will offer little opportunity for homes to cool off overnight. September typically continuing to be a warm month in this part of the country combined with the fact that power will be out for weeks in some places will make for a rough stretch of time for residents.

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