BATON ROUGE — A stretch of intense heat is building across the Baton Rouge area, with feels-like temperatures expected to climb past 105 degrees through the weekend and into next week, according to the Storm Station Weather Team.

After Wednesday, rain chances drop sharply. Daily coverage Thursday through Saturday will be at 10 percent or lower, with mostly clear skies and high temperatures climbing into the upper 90s.

The driver behind the heat is a large ridge of high pressure building over the Gulf Coast. That system acts like a lid over the region, pushing down on the atmosphere, shutting off rain and trapping heat at the surface.

Some slightly drier air may offer a small buffer during afternoons later in the week, but that relief fades through the weekend. As upper 90s continue into next week with more humidity in the mix, feels-like temperatures are expected to top 108 degrees and heat alerts become likely. WBRZ Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus said the danger goes beyond what the thermometer reads.

"Heat danger isn't just about the number on the thermostat — it's about how that heat actually impacts the body," Eachus said. "A jump in feels-like temperature or heat index from 100°F to 110°F might sound like a minor 10-degree shift, but when high humidity is factored in, the body experiences a surge in strain."

Eachus said the effects also build over time. "Heat strain isn't just a single-day event; it's cumulative," he said. "At first, the body works overtime to regulate its internal temperature. Without adequate hydration or breaks from heat, the body becomes less efficient at cooling."

He also pushed back on the idea that heat index readings are an overstatement. "The heat index or feels-like term is not an exaggerated or made up term," Eachus said. "The United States military conceptualized these values to account for the human physiological effects discussed above. A 100 degree air temperature with dry air affects the body much differently than a 100 degree air temperature rich with moisture."

Heat is the leading weather killer in the United States on both a 10 and 30-year basis. There have been 8 heat deaths in Louisiana already this year.

Anyone working or spending time outdoors should take frequent shaded breaks, drink plenty of water and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Eachus said heat alerts are a reminder to stay hydrated, seek air conditioning and check on vulnerable neighbors.

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