Louisiana – A cool, calm morning greets southeast Louisiana as lights reflect off the Mississippi River and damp sidewalks near the lakefront. Jackets feel comfortable now, but umbrellas will matter more as the week unfolds.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures start in the mid-40s to low 50s around New Orleans and Baton Rouge, with mostly sunny skies early. Conditions stay dry today, helping commuters and early travelers. Plan outdoor errands sooner rather than later.
Clouds increase tonight as moisture returns from the Gulf. Wednesday turns warmer and more humid, with highs climbing into the mid-60s. A few spotty showers develop by afternoon, and patchy fog may form after dark, especially near waterways and low-lying roads. Slow down where visibility drops.
The most impactful weather arrives Thursday, December 18th. Showers become more widespread by late morning, with periods of steady rain through the afternoon. A few thunderstorms are possible. Wet pavement and brief downpours could slow travel along I-10, I-12, and surface streets during peak hours. Expect changing conditions by midday.
Winds increase slightly Thursday afternoon, then ease Thursday night. Rain chances taper, and skies partially clear. Temperatures fall into the mid-to-upper 40s by early Friday, a noticeable cool-down after the midweek warmth. While a freeze is not expected, cooler air reinforces a winter feel.
Friday turns bright and calmer. Sunshine returns, and highs reach near 60 degrees, improving conditions for commuters and holiday errands. Friday night stays cool but dry.
The weekend looks favorable across the New Orleans–Baton Rouge corridor. Saturday and Sunday trend mostly sunny and warmer, with highs pushing into the low-to-mid 70s. That’s helpful for Christmas travel, outdoor events, and last-minute shopping.
Meteorologists note this warm-to-wet pattern as an early sign of winter variability along the Gulf Coast. Keep rain gear ready and plan extra time Thursday.
Traveling Thursday or seeing fog where you live? Share what conditions look like in your area.
5-Day Outlook – New Orleans–Baton Rouge, LA
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 60°
- Wednesday: Warmer, shower chance, high near 65°
- Thursday: Showers likely, storms possible, high near 74°
- Friday: Sunny, cooler, high near 60°
- Saturday: Sunny, warmer, high near 71°
