Severe weather risk this evening, very cold start to the new workweek
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) - Parts of Acadiana are under a Tornado Watch until 9pm. St. Landry, Evangeline parishes are included in this Tornado Watch.
Storm chances increasing later this afternoon and evening with a linear complex of storms moving into the area between 4pm-9pm. We're under a level two out of five risk of severe storms today with damaging winds and tornadoes being the primary hazards. Away from the storms, southwesterly winds will be strong, in the 20-30 mph range. Winds could gust as high as 35-40 mph.
Behind the storms, Arctic air moves into the area tonight. Northerly winds will be gusty leading to some brutally cold wind chills tomorrow morning. Readings will be in the lower 30s, but wind chills could be in the upper teens to lower 20s! Even tomorrow afternoon, highs will only be in the mid-40s with wind chills buried in the 30s throughout the day.
Cold weather is expected Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the upper 40s both days. Sub-freezing morning starts expected both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rain chances will increase Thursday and Friday as an upper-level trough helps to spawn surface low development across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Rain will spread across the area starting Thursday night and continuing through the day on Friday. It will be a cold rain as well with temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Winter precipitation may be possible as far south as I-20, but the precipitation will stay all rain across Acadiana.
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