Springtime Weather and River Flooding: What to Expect

Spring is here, and the weather is mostly cooperative for outdoor fun. However, a small cold front will pass through on Tuesday, slowing down the warming trend for a bit. This front will bring in cooler, drier air, which is a nice change from the usual humidity. The good news is that it won't bring much rain. The skies will be mostly cloudy on Tuesday, but don't expect much more than a few light sprinkles. The real change will be the cooler, drier air that follows, making the weather quite comfortable. The temperature will dip a bit on Wednesday, especially in the morning, with lows in the low 50s. But don't worry, the sunshine will be back in full force by Wednesday afternoon, with highs in the low 80s. The warming trend continues on Thursday, with highs climbing to the mid 80s under mostly sunny skies. By Friday, temperatures will jump up to the upper 80s, and you'll start to feel a bit more warmth and humidity creeping back in. The weekend looks warm too, with highs in the upper 80s both Saturday and Easter Sunday. Rain chances stay very low through Saturday—just a 10% chance, which really just means maybe a quick pop-up shower at most. By Sunday, those chances tick up slightly (20%) as a new cold front moves into Texas and helps stir up some moisture. It doesn't look like a washout by any means, but it's something to keep an eye on. Better chances for rain begin to develop next week. The Mississippi River is causing some concerns. The National Weather Service has issued a River Flood Warning for the Mississippi River at Red River Landing. Flood stage is at 48 feet, and moderate flooding is expected with a crest near 57 feet on April 19. Around these levels, farmland on the left bank begins taking on water. The river will crest by April 23, then fall below flood stage by May 3. At Baton Rouge, flood stage is 35 feet. Minor flooding is forecast to begin early Wednesday, cresting just above major flood stage on April 23 with a height of 40. 6 feet. Levels will fall below flood stage around May 2. Around these levels, the grounds of the older part of Louisiana State University's campus become soggy. This includes the area around the Veterinary Medicine building, the Veterinary Medicine Annex, and Alex Box Stadium. Levees protect the city of Baton Rouge and the main LSU campus at this level. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. The Atchafalaya River is also under a River Flood Watch. At Simmesport, flood stage of 40 feet may be reached by April 24. There will be flooding of areas inside the levees of the Atchafalaya Floodway and considerable flooding in the backwater storage area in Avoyelles Parish. At Butte La Rose, flood stage of 20 feet may be reached by April 25. Minor flooding of the nearby areas could occur. At Morgan City, flood stage of 6 feet may be reached by Sunday morning. Moderate flooding over 7 feet is forecast by April 25. At 7 feet, buildings at the foot of Ann Street on the river side of the flood wall will flood as water overtops the Rio Oil Company dock. Buildings on the river side of the Berwick floodwall will flood. River traffic restrictions will be strictly enforced. In addition, backwater flooding could potentially impact portions of areas around Lake Palourde and Stephensville. Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather and river conditions.