Heat Wave Grips Gulf Coast Ahead of Football Season
Football practices are set to begin across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, but the season’s opening coincides with an intense heat wave that could push heat‑index values past 113 °F by mid‑week.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for Tuesday around Lake Pontchartrain and coastal Mississippi, while Heat Advisories cover much of the region, forecasting feels‑like temperatures near 108 °F on Monday and Tuesday.
High humidity amplifies the danger, preventing sweat from evaporating and limiting the body’s ability to cool itself, a factor that the service says makes heat the leading cause of weather‑related fatalities.
Coach Ryan Manale, who oversees local programs, stresses that parents should ensure their children get adequate rest, limit screen time, and gradually increase activity levels to prepare for the physical demands of practice.
Dr. Eric Griggs, a sports‑medicine specialist, recommends staying in air‑conditioned environments when possible, wearing light‑colored clothing, and applying sunscreen to exposed skin.
He also advises athletes to drink at least half their body weight in ounces of water each day, a guideline that translates to roughly 100 ounces for a 150‑pound teen.
Manale further instructs players to report any signs of dizziness, light‑headedness or discomfort immediately, emphasizing that early communication can prevent heat‑related illness.
With these precautions, officials hope to keep players safe while the season gets underway.