Louisiana – Headlights glowed like halos through thick gray fog early this morning as visibility collapsed across southeast Louisiana. Cars crept along highways near New Orleans, brake lights flaring suddenly as drivers struggled to see more than a few car lengths ahead.
According to the National Weather Service, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning for much of the New Orleans metro and surrounding parishes. Visibility has dropped below one-quarter mile at times, especially near waterways, low-lying neighborhoods, and open stretches of road. The advisory covers Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, and nearby areas.
Travel is most impacted along I-10, I-610, the Crescent City Connection, and surface streets near Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. Slowdowns are expected through the morning commute. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra following distance. Sudden stops are a real risk in fog this dense.
Conditions gradually improve late this morning as clouds lift and light winds increase. By afternoon, visibility rebounds quickly, and temperatures climb into the low 70s. The fog threat fades for now, offering a calmer window for holiday errands and travel.
Tonight stays quiet, with mostly clear skies and mild temperatures in the upper 50s. Tuesday and Wednesday trend sunny and warm, setting up a favorable stretch for Christmas travel. Highs remain near the low 70s, with no rain or winter hazards expected locally.
Even so, forecasters caution that fog can redevelop quickly during warm, humid December patterns. Another round is possible later this week if winds go calm again.
For now, take it slow this morning and give yourself extra time. Driving through fog already? Tell us how visibility looks where you are.
Five Day Outlook for New Orleans, Louisiana
Monday: Dense fog early, then mostly sunny, high near 73
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, high near 73
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, mild, high near 72
Christmas Day: Partly sunny, pleasant, high near 73
Friday: Mostly sunny, warmer, high near 75
