Louisiana Beach Report – Conditions Improving For the Weekend

The severe storms that swept across Louisiana on Wednesday were responsible for tornadoes in Slidell and Lake Charles. Those two communities have confirmed tornadoes and as investigators spread out across the state today we might find that there were confirmed tornadoes in several other communities as well.

As of early this morning, some 70,000 Louisiana homes and businesses were without power still but crews were working to rectify that situation as soon as possible. That was yesterday. Today and the next several days appear to be much calmer as far as the forecast is concerned. For many Louisiana families, it will be a perfect weekend to make a quick trip to the beach.

What Beaches are Most Popular With Louisiana Travelers?

When you ask Louisiana folks about "going to the beach" you're most likely going to get a reply that includes "Gulf Shores", "Pensacola", "Destin", or one of the other communities along 30-A.  I would say Louisiana's second choice for "the beach" is to head west to Galveston, Texas. Granted the Galveston Beaches aren't quite Perdido Key but they can be very nice and they're just about as close if not closer.

What is the Beach Forecast for Gulf Shores, Pensacola, and Destin This Weekend?

Sky conditions should be wonderful. If you're looking to soak up sunshine there should be plenty to soak. Beach conditions, as far as rip currents are concerned, should be improving. Today would be a bad day to get in the water but the rip current forecast suggests a low risk for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

What is the Beach Forecast for Galveston, Texas This Weekend?

The beaches of Galveston should be fine for bathing but the waves will be increasing in height as we move through the weekend. Look for waves that will push water at least chest-high on most adults for Saturday and Sunday with surf conditions increasing by early next week.

There was no mention of a rip current risk at Galveston this weekend but you should always swim as if there is one. Sky conditions should be clear and sunny so skin protection from the sun's rays will be a big issue for most beachgoers. There are no reports of bacteria or pollution that are affecting any of the popular beach spots on the island.

What is the Beach Forecast for the Mississippi Gulf Coast This Weekend?

Crowds may be the bigger concern for those who want to soak up sun and sand along the Mississippi Gulf Coast this weekend. This is the weekend of the annual Black Spring Break in Biloxi. Tens of thousands of college-age students are expected to be in town for the party.

Beach conditions along the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be good for swimming. The skies should be great for tanning but do be careful as the UV Index will be high on both Saturday and Sunday. There are a few trouble spots with bacteria in the water along the Mississippi Gulf Coast but those spots are closer to Bay St. Louis than they are to Biloxi and Gulfport.

What is the Beach Forecast for Louisiana Beaches This Weekend?

If you're planning on heading for Louisiana's coast this weekend you should not have any issues with weather. Conditions will be improving today and should be nice for Friday through Sunday. The Louisiana Beach Monitoring Program will not start their sampling and testing program for another few weeks so we will assume the water is okay for bathing.

Surf conditions should be similar to those at Galveston, Texas. In other words, fairly calm on Friday and Saturday with a little more wave action expected on Sunday. Sky conditions should be clear along Louisiana's coast for the weekend as well so don't forget your sunscreen.