New Orleans, La. – Residents across southeast Louisiana will face unhealthy air conditions Friday as an air quality alert remains in effect until midnight, coinciding with highs near 91 degrees and stagnant afternoon air.
According to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, ozone levels will reach the Orange category, a threshold considered unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, seniors, and people with asthma or other respiratory issues. The alert covers Orleans, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Plaquemines parishes.
Cities such as New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Gretna, Chalmette, and Laplace are under the advisory, with the risk peaking during the afternoon hours when ozone formation is strongest. Officials urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially for vulnerable groups. Drivers are encouraged to delay refueling vehicles until after 6 p.m., reduce unnecessary travel, and avoid the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
Weekend weather remains mostly sunny and hot, with highs near 90 through Monday. A slight increase in cloud cover is expected Sunday, but no rain relief is in sight.
The air quality alert will expire at midnight, though similar advisories may be issued if high ozone levels persist.
Five Day Forecast for New Orleans, La.:
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 91, calm winds.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 90, light northwest winds shifting east.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy, high near 90, east winds 5–10 mph.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 90, southeast winds 5–10 mph.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 90, light north winds shifting east in the afternoon.
