Foggy conditions are blanketing New Orleans this morning as the National Weather Service alerts drivers and mariners of reduced visibilities, primarily near the Mississippi River and surrounding tidal lakes. According to the National Weather Service New Orleans, very warm air moving over colder waters has prompted the development of patchy dense fog, which has notably affected roadways and waterways, with visibility dropping to as low as a quarter to half a mile in some locations.
The forecast for today predicts showers and thunderstorms likely before the afternoon, with some relief in the form of mostly cloudy skies and a high near 72 degrees following areas of morning fog. The National Weather Service indicates a 60 percent chance of precipitation, and while new rainfall amounts are expected to be less than a tenth of an inch, thunderstorms could cause higher accumulations traffic and web cameras are currently showing very low visibilities that could pose a hazard to motorists and sailors alike.
As the week progresses, residents can anticipate a mixed bag of weather, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, mainly occurring between 3 am and 5 am, followed by a dip in temperatures to around 63 degrees. The National Weather Service outlook into next week suggests a warming trend with sunny skies by Monday, culminating in a high near 79 degrees by Thursday, with winds remaining light to moderate throughout the period.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 10 AM CST, warning of visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog across parts of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi. The National Weather Service advises that low visibility could present hazardous driving conditions and urges those traveling to do so with caution, slow down use your low beam headlights and maintain a generous following distance from the vehicle ahead.
