Pat Shingleton for June 26, 2012

Summer started a week ago. To verify the season, Monday’s afternoon high hit 101, shattering the record high of 100 set in 2009. To clarify heat advisories and warnings, the National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge Forecast Office adjusted its criteria Monday to ascertain the range in temperature, humidity and heat index. Now, coastal and interior portions of our forecast area are considered. A heat advisory is now issued when overnight lows are greater than 75 degrees and highs in excess of 105. A reading of 108 or more for two hours also qualifies for the advisory. An excessive heat warning represents two consecutive days of 110 or more or readings of 115 for two hours or more. Fastcast: Another record?