New Orleans, Louisiana – Thick Gulf humidity is already hanging over southeast Louisiana, and skies will become increasingly active as showers and thunderstorms develop through the day. Roads may start the morning relatively quiet, but conditions can change quickly by midday as heavier rain moves into the New Orleans metro.
According to the National Weather Service, showers become likely before midday before transitioning into thunderstorms during the afternoon. Rain chances reach 80 percent, with temperatures topping out near 84 degrees. Some storms may produce brief downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds capable of slowing travel across the city.
Drivers using Interstate 10, Interstate 610, U.S. 90, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the Crescent City Connection, and the Westbank Expressway should expect changing visibility and pockets of standing water during heavier showers. Slow down on wet pavement and allow additional stopping distance during the afternoon commute.
The unsettled weather continues Tuesday with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before drier air gradually arrives. By Wednesday, skies turn partly sunny with highs climbing to 91 degrees, followed by even warmer weather Thursday as temperatures reach 93 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
National weather discussions continue highlighting the Gulf Coast for locally heavy rainfall where storms repeatedly develop. While widespread flooding is not expected, isolated street flooding remains possible in poor drainage areas during stronger downpours. Severe weather is not anticipated to be widespread, but lightning will remain a hazard for anyone spending time outdoors.
Keep an eye on changing radar trends if you have outdoor plans. Have a way to receive weather alerts, especially if thunderstorms develop earlier than expected. Looking farther ahead, the 6-to-10-day outlook favors above-normal temperatures, signaling a return to a hotter and more typical midsummer pattern across southeast Louisiana.
Five-Day Forecast for New Orleans, Louisiana
- Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 84°F. Rain chance 80%.
- Tuesday: 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 88°F. Low 76°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny. High 91°F. Low 78°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 93°F. Low 79°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High 92°F. Low 79°F.
