New Orleans, LA – Thick, pearly fog drapes across the Mississippi River this morning, softening lights from bridges and slowing early commuters along I-10 and Causeway Boulevard. Visibility dips below a half mile in spots, and drivers are urged to use low beams and slow speeds until conditions improve midmorning.
According to the National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge office, patchy fog will linger through 7 a.m., then sunshine returns as winds shift west at 5 to 10 mph. Highs rise to a comfortable 68°F this afternoon, a welcome return to mild December weather after several chilly mornings.
Clear skies dominate through Friday, with daytime highs climbing into the low 70s and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to low 50s. The air stays dry and calm, making it ideal for holiday decorating, outdoor dining, or early weekend travel plans.
By Saturday, light southeasterly winds help temperatures peak near 72°F, continuing the stretch of warm, settled weather. No rain is expected before Sunday, when clouds may build slightly as Gulf moisture drifts north.
The mild pattern stands in sharp contrast to the Arctic plunge expected across the Midwest and East next week — a reminder that winter chill is still lurking upstream.
5-Day Outlook (Dec 10–Dec 14):
- Today (Wed): Fog early, then sunny, high 68°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high 59°F, low 48°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 71°F, low 56°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 72°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 68°F, low 43°F.
