SUMMARY: The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office halted autopsies due to a July 5th air conditioning failure, causing a backlog of about 20 bodies. Coroner Dwight McKenna reported that autopsy rooms reached nearly 90 degrees, delaying work while waiting for city repairs. Plans to transfer bodies to LSU Medical Center are pending approval; if denied, they may be sent to Jefferson Parish. McKenna faces controversy over the office’s lack of written protocols, resulting in lawsuits and a recent $67,000 judgment against the office for inadequate procedures. Despite calls for documented plans, McKenna insists experience guides his actions over formal paperwork.

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SUMMARY: The City and Parish councils are meeting this week with key agenda items. Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s administration introduces the 2025-2026 budget, focusing on spending priorities, subject to council amendments. The Parish Council plans to allocate about \$700,000 from opioid settlement funds to the new \$26 million Acadiana Crime Lab serving eight parishes. They’ll also discuss a \$400,000 local match for South Larriviere Road improvements. The City Council will approve the Downtown Development Authority budget increase, acquire right-of-way for the Bertrand Drive revitalization, fund ADA paratransit buses, and consider rezoning for a bar/restaurant near Camelia Boulevard. Jointly, councils will approve Lafayette’s 2025 HUD Annual Action Plan and donate adjudicated properties to a faith-based nonprofit for affordable housing development.

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SUMMARY: Lingering clouds this morning accompany a warm, moisture-rich air mass, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible this afternoon, ending after sunset. Similar storms may pop up tomorrow. Very hot weather is expected Wednesday, with temperatures nearing triple digits, requiring heat safety precautions. A tropical system may develop along the Gulf Coast late week, increasing weekend rain chances. Tuesday brings drier air and fewer storms, tied to a weak upper ridge and shear axis. By Wednesday, an easterly wave could organize near the northern Gulf Coast, potentially increasing rain late Thursday through Saturday, easing the heat.

There are a few lingering clouds this morning. Very warm and moisture rich airmass remains in place, and mid-level disturbances could allow for more patchy to scattered showers and t-storms this afternoon. Storms should end just after sunset. Pop-up storms still remain possible for tomorrow as well. Very hot conditions are expected on Wednesday as temperatures push upper 90’s near the triple digits. Heat safety will need to be practiced. By the late week, a tropical system could move along the gulf coast with a slight chance of development by the weekend. Regardless, this system could bring more chances for rain and storms over the weekend.

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