Forecast: The heat is on

South Louisiana is in for a hot start to the week, with near-record highs and rising humidity expected across the Baton Rouge area and surrounding parishes.

WAFB's forecast story said temperatures around 90 are expected today and tomorrow. The National Weather Service in New Orleans/Baton Rouge is calling for highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s through the week, with heat index values climbing into the upper 90s.

The official forecast also points to a return of thunderstorms in the latter half of the week. Some of those storms could be strong to severe, according to the National Weather Service area forecast discussion.

For now, the main story is simple: it is going to feel hot and sticky for much of the workweek, especially during the afternoon hours. The first real chance for a pattern change looks to arrive later in the week, when rain and storms become more likely.

Anyone spending time outdoors should plan for heat and humidity, and stay alert for changing weather conditions later in the week.