Gusty southerly winds and increasing rain chances will be likely this weekend with a slight risk of severe storms increasing through Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center has most of Acadiana hatched in for a slight risk of severe storms Saturday but most shower and thunderstorm activity should stay scattered in nature. Nonetheless instability and upper level wind profiles may be conducive for a few isolated severe cells. By early Sunday severe weather dynamics will increase locally with all of Acadiana possibly vulnerable to storms that could produce damaging winds, hail or possibly an isolated tornado. In addition, available atmospheric moisture will be more than double of normal which could lead to at least a couple of inches of much needed rainfall. Therefore, look for much higher rain chances, the risk of heavy downpours and a better chance of severe weather Sunday. Drier more stable air should move in for Sunday night into early next week.
Gusty southerly winds in the 15-30mph will likely continue through at least midday Sunday but a possible wind shift may occur late Sunday into Monday. Check with the KATC Futurecast Wind Forecasts for the latest. Obviously the strong winds and subsequent rough seas offshore will make it nearly impossible to contain the oil slick offshore which has grown to 9,100 square miles as of today. While any wind shift will slow the westward progression of the oil slick, natural currents and the eventual resumption of southeasterly winds next week will allow the slick to spread toward the Acadiana coastline.

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