Dangerous heat is returning to the area over the coming days, with maximum heat index values approaching or exceeding 110 degrees across portions of Southwest Louisiana.

“High pressure aloft will be building over the area the next several days,” said the National Weather Service’s Lake Charles office. “This will mean less of a risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall, but unfortunately, oppressively hot conditions will be returning.”

The agency said unusually warm Gulf waters will contribute to persistent oppressive humidity and limit nighttime cooling, especially closer to the coast.

Record high overnight minimum temperatures will be likely.

Lack of nighttime cooling, persistence of the heat and light winds will continue to increase the risk of health-related impacts to individuals repeatedly exposed, the agency said.

The hazardous heat risk is expected to continue into the latter part of July.