Residents of New Orleans are advised to brace themselves for inclement weather, as the National Weather Service reports a strong likelihood of showers and thunderstorms today, some potentially severe. The NWS New Orleans stresses a 70% chance of precipitation with possible rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, and higher quantities during thunderstorms. South winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, bring more than just a breeze to the city but also a warning for those out and about.
Tonight doesn’t promise respite, as the forecast predicts a 90% chance of continued showers and thunderstorms before 2 am, accompanied, by patchy fog that could hinder visibility. Following the tempestuous weather, a south wind 5 to 10 mph will switch to west post-midnight with possible gusts as strong as 20 mph. New Orleans can expect new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.
Prospects for clearer skies are on the horizon for Sunday with the outlook suggesting mostly sunny conditions and a high near 69 degrees. The northwest wind stays at a gentle pace of 5 to 10 mph, providing some solace after the storm. Sunday night's forecast follows suit—mostly clear with a lower hovering around 52 degrees, and a west wind settling at around 5 mph.
Looking ahead into early next week, the NWS predicts sunny days with highs averaging near 70 degrees, and nighttime conditions staying mostly clear. The city will see temperatures dip slightly into the mid to high 40s in the evenings. As New Year's Day approaches, residents can anticipate sunny weather, with a high near 59 and north wind around 5 to 10 mph, according to NWS New Orleans. Wrapping up the week, Thursday is expected to be mostly sunny, rising to a high of around 55 degrees, before the chance of showers returns on Friday.
