Residents and visitors in New Orleans may encounter a significant chance of rain today. The National Weather Service forecasts showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., with additional showers likely from 1 to 4 p.m. The weather will be mostly cloudy, with high temperatures reaching around 82 degrees and a southeast wind at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with expected rainfall totals between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, possibly higher during thunderstorms.

Today’s humidity is high at 88%, contributing to a heat index of 78°F. Atmospheric pressure is steady at 30.08 in (1017.8 mb), and the dew point is 73°F, resulting in a heavy air feel. Light southeast winds at about 8 mph are not expected to provide significant relief from the humidity.

This evening, the NWS New Orleans forecasts a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Skies are expected to partly clear afterward, with a low around 70 degrees and an east wind at about 5 mph. The weekend outlook is drier and brighter, starting with a mostly sunny Saturday and a high near 81 degrees, followed by a pleasant Saturday night with mostly clear skies and mild temperatures.

For those planning outdoor activities on Sunday, the weather is expected to be mostly sunny with highs around 84 degrees. Southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph will be light. Sunday night will be partly cloudy, leading into a workweek that is likely to continue with warm, sunny days and highs near 84 degrees on Monday. There is a slight chance of showers Monday night, and the week may see some light rain, but mostly sunny days are anticipated.