Expect a much milder night tonight as a steady dose of south winds bring warm, moist air off the Gulf of Mexico. This is due to a surface low pressure that will be developing across the Texas Panhandle tonight. 

This low is expected to move eastward through the day tomorrow. Meanwhile, in the mid-upper levels, a cold-cored trough will begin to move eastward as well, creating atmospheric lift across our area. 

This lift will lead to the development of widespread showers and thunderstorms across Acadiana tomorrow morning. Atmospheric energy will not be overly impressive at the time, but due to the amount of cold air aloft, some of the stronger storms could produce some small hail. This will be the biggest threat during the early morning hours. 

By afternoon, atmospheric instability and energy will begin to increase. However, at this time, it appears the atmospheric lift may try to move north and east of Acadiana. Remember, atmopsheric lift, along with instability, is needed for the development of storms. Due to the fact that this lift is caused by mid-upper level features and not a front at the surface, it may be hard for thunderstorms to form across Acadiana during the midday hours, when atmospheric energy and instability will be greatest. Instead, it appears the greatest storm concentration and severe weather threat may shift northeast, mainly across the central and northern parts of the state and into Mississippi. For this reason, this area has been highlighted with a Level 2 risk for tomorrow. In this sector, hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of tornadoes could be in the mix. A Level 1 risk is placed for areas along and south of I-10, mainly due to the possibility of hail during the morning hours. We’ll still have to watch our northern parishes during the midday hours, as any storms that do form in this area could go severe. 

Storms should continue to shift eastward by Thursday evening, with rain ending. 

~Meteorologist Trevor Sonnier