Heat advisory issued for Terrebonne as heat indices climb above 110
The National Weather Service is warning residents in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes to take precautions this week as a heat wave brings mid‑ to upper‑90s daytime temperatures and dangerously high humidity.
Forecast guidance shared by the NWS predicts daytime highs in the Bayou Region will reach the mid to upper‑90s Monday through Wednesday. Afternoon heat indices — the "feels like" temperature that combines heat and humidity — could reach as high as 112 °F on Monday, with isolated locations possibly higher. The NWS cautioned that conditions on Tuesday are expected to be particularly severe, with feels‑like values up to 115 °F.
| Period | Daytime temps | Heat index (feels like) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mid–upper 90s | Up to 112 °F (isolated higher) |
| Tuesday | Mid–upper 90s | Feels like up to 115 °F |
| Overnight | Upper 70s to low 80s | Unseasonably warm |
A heat advisory is currently in effect for Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes through 8 p.m. Tuesday. The NWS noted the advisory could be extended into the middle of the week. Under NWS criteria, an advisory signals dangerous heat conditions that do not reach the threshold for a heat warning but still pose health risks.
Health risks and recommended precautions
High temperatures combined with elevated humidity increase the risk of heat‑related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions range from discomfort to life‑threatening emergencies when the body is unable to cool itself effectively.
The NWS is advising residents to adopt several common‑sense measures to reduce risk:
- Drink plenty of fluids — avoid waiting until thirsty.
- Stay in air‑conditioned spaces when possible.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure and limit time outdoors during peak heat.
- Wear lightweight, loose‑fitting clothing when outside.
- Schedule strenuous activities for early morning or evening hours.
- Check on relatives and neighbours, particularly the elderly or those with health conditions.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air‑conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors,”
the NWS advised on its website. The agency also referenced guidance from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for outdoor work: schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air‑conditioned environments to reduce risk.
Children, pets and vehicles
The NWS reiterated a critical safety warning about children and animals: never leave young children or pets unattended in parked vehicles. Interior temperatures can rise to lethal levels within minutes, even with windows cracked.
With overnight lows expected to remain in the upper 70s to low 80s, there will be limited overnight relief from the heat for many residents. That sustained warmth overnight can increase strain for vulnerable populations, including seniors and those with chronic medical conditions.
What Terrebonne residents should watch for
Residents should monitor local weather updates in case the advisory is extended and follow guidance from public‑health and emergency authorities. Symptoms of heat‑related illness include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and confusion; seek medical attention if signs of heat stroke — such as high body temperature, altered mental state or loss of consciousness — appear.
For now, simple precautions — staying hydrated, using cooling spaces, limiting strenuous outdoor work and checking on neighbours — are the primary lines of defence as Terrebonne weathers this episode of extreme heat.
