Latest news with #PresleyTyler02
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Louisiana summer: How high are temperatures expected to be? Here's the forecasted heat index
For this summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted hotter-than-average temperatures across the U.S. Summer heat is expected to reach its peak in July, with a chance that more long-time high-temperature records may be broken, according to the Farmer's Almanac. In Louisiana, summer heat typically reaches its peak during July and August, as high temperatures can frequently exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This year, Louisiana is expected to experience a brutal summer with high temperatures in the 90s and heat indices feeling like 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Heat indices, or a heat index, is a measure of how hot it feels to the human body when the air temperature and relative humidity are combined, according to the National Weather Service. The average summer heat index in Louisiana typically ranges from the high 80s to the mid-90s, with humidity playing a significant role. Due to Louisiana's humid subtropical climate, the humidity can make the summer heat feel much more intense. Currently, the forecasted average summer heat index for Louisiana ranges from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NOAA's heat index forecasts. Humidity is generally high in Louisiana during the summer, with the average relative humidity ranging from 89% to 92%. The hottest, and most humid, months in Louisiana are typically June, July and August. During high humidity, temperatures can feel much hotter, as the body's ability to cool itself through evaporation is reduced. This summer, heat index temperatures in Louisiana are expected to climb into the triple digits due to heat and humidity, according to Alorair Crawlspace. When a heat index is high, especially when it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, being outdoors can be dangerous because of increased risks of heat-related illnesses. During a high heat index, when it's harder for the body to cool down, the likelihood of heat cramps, exhaustion and even stroke is increased, according to the National Weather Service. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How hot will it be this summer in Louisiana? Average heat and humidity
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Invasive ants with potentially fatal sting found across Southeast. Are they in Louisiana?
Asian needle ants are an invasive species that are continuing to spread throughout the U.S., and these ants can now be found in over a dozen states. The venomous ants, which are native to China, Japan and the Koreas, have a sting that can potentially be deadly. While Asian needle ants were first discovered in the U.S. in 1932, the ants have been on the move and are now being found throughout the Southeast and other regions. When Asian needle ants sting, the venom it injects could be life threatening in some cases. Individuals who experience allergic reactions to bee and ant stings are particularly vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock after being stung, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The ants will reach their peak numbers in July and August, although, they can be hard to spot, as they are incredibly small and blend in well with their surroundings. Oftentimes, stings occur when someone unknowingly disturbs them, such as while gardening or moving objects they might be underneath like wood or mulch, USA Today reported. When stung by an Asian needle ant, it can feel like somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh and, if the ant's venom triggers an allergic reaction, it can lead to difficulty breathing, swelling and can be fatal. The ants are becoming more and more widespread, but they are mostly being found in areas with hardwood trees and undisturbed forest areas, where they nest under logs, stones and leaf litter. In residential areas, they can be found under mulch, pavers and landscape timbers, says the U.S. Forest Service. Asian needle ants were first discovered in Georgia, and they are still predominantly found within the Southeast, however, the ants have been expanding their reach northward and westward. Currently, there have been no official sightings of Asian needle ants in Louisiana, but they have been found in the nearby states of Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Therefore, it's likely that the ants could soon infiltrate Louisiana. Other states where Asian needle ants have been spotted include North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin, Washington and Ohio, according to iNaturalist. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Are Asian needle ants in Louisiana? What to know about venomous ants
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why is Louisiana ranked the worst state on U.S. News & World Report's list of all 50 states?
U.S. News & World Report has released a list of the "Best States for 2025," in which all 50 states are ranked. This ranking assesses U.S. states across eight categories, including healthcare, education, natural environment, opportunity, economy, crime and corrections, infrastructure, as well as fiscal stability. Among the top 10 best states in the U.S., three each were located in the West, Midwest and Northeast, with only one Southern state making the top 10. On U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the "Best States for 2025," Louisiana came in last at number 50. When breaking down Louisiana's overall ranking, the state also came in last at number 50 in the crime and corrections, as well as economy, categories. Meanwhile, Louisiana's highest category rank was health care at number 44. Additionally, Louisiana ranked number 46 in education, 46 in fiscal stability, 48 in infrastructure, 49 in natural environment and 46 in opportunity. Utah New Hampshire Idaho Minnesota Nebraska Florida Vermont South Dakota Massachusetts Washington Louisiana Alaska Mississippi New Mexico West Virginia Alabama Arkansas Michigan Oklahoma Pennsylvania Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is Louisiana the worst state to live? What U.S. News & World Report says
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why are veterans protesting Trump Administration on D-Day? What to know about VA cuts
Veterans across the U.S. are planning to gather on D-Day, June 6, in order to protest the Trump Administration's cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as cuts to other government staff and programs. The veteran-led protests will take place at the nation's capitol in Washington, D.C., as well as at 16 state capitol buildings and over 100 other venues within 43 states. The protests are being held on D-Day in honor of the sacrifices WWII veterans made during the Normandy invasion in order to defeat fascism and, now, veterans are coming together to defeat fascism in the U.S., says activism organization Indivisible. There are two planned protests on June 6 in Louisiana, and all abled-body veterans, military families, allies and civilians are being called upon to come together for a peaceful rally advocating for the protection of veteran benefits. The "D-Day 2025: A Veterans Rally and March," hosted by Indivisible New Orleans, will take place from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Lafayette Square, located at S Maestri St., in New Orleans. The second protest, "Unite for Veterans. Unite for America Rally" by Indivisible Lafayette will be held from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at 107 E. University Avenue, in Lafayette. "Veterans are facing cuts to the VA and other benefits they earned, while watching an administration roll over the U.S. Constitution, which as those who wore the uniform know, they took an oath to protect," says Indivisible. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Are veterans protesting on D-Day in Louisiana? Why VA cuts are focus
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Early-season activity may indicate an above-average hurricane season in Louisiana. What to know
Saturday, June 1 marked the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, and this year is forecasted to see an above-average number of storms. As of June 2, the National Hurricane Center has highlighted an area off of the southeast coast of Florida, and the U.S., for tropical cyclone activity. The storm system currently has a low chance of developing, however, rain and thunderstorms are expected to impact Florida in the following days. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring a tropical wave off the cost of Africa, south of Cabo Verde, that's moving west at 17 mph. Dust from the Sahara is currently being carried westward across the Atlantic Ocean, and strong winds can transport this dust further to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. This dust can help prevent tropical storms from developing or strengthening. In June, tropical storms typically develop close to the U.S., off of the southeast coast, in the Gulf Coast or in the Caribbean. Later in the season, storms usually form out of tropical waves moving off the coast of Africa, The Palm Beach Post reported. Early tropical storm activity can indicate an active hurricane season, although, this is not a definitive predictor. While early activity can suggest a more active season, it's possible that an active June and July can be followed by a quieter year, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Peak hurricane activity is usually from mid-August until mid-October and, in some cases, hurricane season may have a quiet start in June and July, but see an increase of activity later in the season, says the NOAA. The NOAA has predicted this hurricane season to be above-normal, citing a number of factors for an above-average season, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What does early tropical storm activity mean for hurricane season?
