Gretna, Louisiana – Thunderstorms could soak parts of southeast Louisiana today, with half an inch of rain possible during afternoon downpours near Gretna. The heat index will spike to 96°F, and drivers along LA-23 should expect reduced visibility and slick roads as showers roll through.
According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans, a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms exists between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday. New rainfall totals could reach a quarter inch, especially during stronger storm cells. Winds will shift from south to north later this morning, helping push moisture inland.
Storm chances decrease to just 20 percent on Thursday, and skies will clear significantly by Thursday night. Highs both Thursday and Friday will hit 88°F, with calm to light breezes under mostly sunny skies. Friday through Sunday is shaping up to be classic southern summer weather — hot, bright, and dry.
The weekend looks ideal for outdoor events or early Memorial Day travel. Saturday and Sunday will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid 70s. Light southeast winds will help with comfort, but heat indices may again climb near 95°F.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day, temperatures are expected to hit 88°F again with a slight chance of thunderstorms by afternoon — a typical summer pattern returning to the region.
