Heat indexes could hit 110 degrees in southeast Louisiana, National Weather Service warns

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of southeast Louisiana on Wednesday, with heat indexes expected to reach 105 F to 110 F, beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 7 p.m. Wednesday night. 

The heat index measures the effects of high temperatures — expected to be in the mid-90s on Wednesday — combined with high humidity

The area under the heat advisory for much of the day covers more that 30 parishes, and includes Lafayette to the west, across Baton Rouge and Hammond to New Orleans and south to Houma. 

Residents are encouraged to stay as much as they can out of the sun, in air-conditioned rooms, drink plenty of fluids and check on relatives and neighbors, the weather service said. 

People spending time outdoors should take extra precautions. Anyone affected by the heat should be moved to a cool, shady location and 911 should be called, the weather service said.