New Orleans, La. – The pavement is already warming under a blazing Gulf Coast sun, and the humidity is making the air feel heavy well before midday. The hottest part of the day is still ahead, with dangerous heat expected across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi through this evening.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. CDT, bringing potentially dangerous conditions to the New Orleans metro, Baton Rouge region and much of the central Gulf Coast. The combination of high temperatures and tropical humidity will make it feel significantly hotter than the thermometer suggests.
According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans/Baton Rouge, heat index values could climb as high as 110 degrees this afternoon. Today’s high reaches 95 degrees, but humidity will push the apparent temperature into a range where heat-related illness can develop quickly. Officials urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours and remain hydrated.
Travelers along Interstate 10, Interstate 55, the Pontchartrain Causeway and U.S. 90 should expect intense heat during the afternoon. Anyone attending outdoor events, working outside or visiting area parks should schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned locations. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, where temperatures rise rapidly.
The heat continues into Sunday with another high near 95 degrees and heat index values around 106 degrees. Monday stays hot with highs near 96 degrees before isolated thunderstorms begin returning Monday night. By Tuesday, highs remain near 96 degrees with a slight chance of afternoon storms offering only limited relief.
Across the broader Gulf Coast, expanding high pressure is driving one of the hottest stretches of the season. Additional heat advisories may be needed early next week as temperatures remain well above average.
Five-Day Forecast for New Orleans, Louisiana
- Today: Sunny and hot. High 95°F. Heat index up to 107°F. Heat Advisory in effect through 6 p.m. CDT.
- Sunday: Sunny and hot. High 95°F. Heat index up to 106°F.
- Monday: Sunny and hot. High 96°F. Slight chance of thunderstorms Monday night.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 96°F. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 97°F. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
