Louisiana – A gentle north breeze ripples through the palms along Lake Pontchartrain this morning as the Gulf air begins to cool. Roads across I-10 and U.S. 61 are quiet under fair skies — a calm start for Thanksgiving travelers across south Louisiana before a warmer, breezy weekend takes hold.
According to the National Weather Service in New Orleans, clear skies and mild sunshine dominate through Thanksgiving Day, making for perfect travel conditions across the metro area and Gulf Coast. Highs reach near 63°F, with low humidity and comfortable air for parades, tailgates, or outdoor gatherings. North winds near 10 mph will keep it crisp but pleasant through the afternoon.
Friday stays mostly sunny with highs in the mid-60s to near 70°F before clouds begin to thicken into Saturday, when a developing Gulf disturbance brings a 40–60% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Rain is expected to arrive late Saturday night into Sunday, potentially slowing post-holiday travel and outdoor plans.
Forecasters say rainfall totals will be light to moderate, but coastal drivers should plan for wet pavement and slower traffic across I-10, I-12, and U.S. 90 by Sunday morning. After the system exits, cooler and drier air moves in early next week, signaling the beginning of a broader pattern shift toward colder December air across the southern U.S.
Looking farther ahead, meteorologists are monitoring a strong Arctic front expected December 1–5. That front could deliver the first widespread winter chill of the season, possibly pushing freezing temperatures as far south as northern Louisiana and East Texas.
For now, Louisiana residents can enjoy a warm, bright Thanksgiving before late-week rain returns — a fitting pause before December’s colder pattern begins to unfold.
