Acadiana residents can expect a return to hotter weather later this week as temperatures climb into the mid-90s following a slight chance of afternoon showers through Wednesday.
The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 88 on Wednesday, with heat index values reaching as high as 99 degrees. By Thursday, highs are expected to reach 93 degrees before climbing to 94 and 95 degrees through the weekend and into early next week.
The warm-up comes after the ¶¶Òõh Department of Health confirmed the state's first heat-related death of 2026. The victim, a man older than 65 from the Acadiana region, died in June from hyperthermia, a condition that occurs when the body can no longer cool itself.
Health officials warn that high humidity and warm overnight temperatures can increase the risk of heat-related illness because the body has little opportunity to recover from daytime heat.
Older adults face a greater risk because aging reduces the body's ability to regulate temperature, and chronic medical conditions and certain medications can make it harder to stay cool.
Residents are encouraged to drink water throughout the day, spend time in air-conditioned buildings during the hottest hours, limit strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and check on older relatives and neighbors.
Anyone experiencing heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea or a rapid pulse should move to a cool place and begin cooling down immediately. Signs of heat stroke, including confusion, a body temperature above 104 degrees or loss of consciousness, require immediate medical attention by calling 911.