Weather
New Orleans, LA Weather Oct. 16–20: Winds Peak Saturday
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans area is heading toward a windy October weekend, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph Saturday as temperatures fall from the mid 80s into the lower 70s before gradua
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-14T10:14:13.794Z
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans area is heading toward a windy October weekend, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph Saturday as temperatures fall from the mid 80s into the lower 70s before gradually warming again next week.
According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans/Baton Rouge, a noticeable change in weather conditions will begin Friday night, bringing stronger northeast winds and cooler temperatures into the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Friday will remain mostly sunny and warm, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 85 degrees. However, conditions will change overnight as winds increase and cooler air moves into southeastern Louisiana.
Strong Winds Arrive Friday Night The most significant change will begin Friday evening, when north winds increase from 5 to 10 mph to 15 to 20 mph. Gusts could reach 35 mph overnight.
Saturday will remain breezy, with northeast winds continuing at 15 to 20 mph and gusts potentially reaching 35 mph.
The stronger winds could be noticeable for residents attending outdoor events, traveling across exposed bridges or spending time near the waterfront.
Temperatures will also decline substantially, with Saturday's afternoon high reaching approximately 72 degrees, a 13 degree drop from Friday.
The transition comes as NOAA's Weather Prediction Center tracks a strong area of high pressure moving southward from Canada, bringing cooler conditions into portions of the central United States.
Although the broader system will produce significant temperature changes elsewhere, the New Orleans forecast indicates a more moderate cooldown.
Sunshine Continues Into Next Week Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies and temperatures recovering slightly to around 74 degrees.
Northeast winds will remain noticeable, averaging approximately 15 mph with gusts reaching 30 mph.
By Monday, winds will shift easterly, with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph as temperatures climb to around 77 degrees.
Tuesday will bring another modest increase, with highs near 80 degrees and a slight chance of showers.
The five day outlook points toward a predominantly dry period, with the strongest winds concentrated Friday night through the weekend.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for a location approximately 3 miles north northwest of Gretna, Louisiana, in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Conditions elsewhere across southeastern Louisiana may vary.
Friday, Oct. 16: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 85°. North winds around 5 mph. Overnight low around 61°, with increasing north winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 35 mph. Saturday, Oct. 17: Sunny and breezy, with northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 35 mph. High near 72°. Overnight low around 61° under mostly clear skies. Sunday, Oct. 18: Mostly sunny and breezy, with northeast winds around 15 mph and gusts reaching 30 mph. High near 74°. Overnight low around 67° under mostly cloudy skies. Monday, Oct. 19: Partly sunny, with a slight chance of showers. High near 77°. East winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph. Overnight low around 68°. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny, with a slight chance of showers. High near 80°. East winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph. Overnight low not available in the supplied forecast.