As Spring begins to hint its arrival in the Big Easy, residents and visitors alike are looking at a classic mixed bag of weather conditions. According to the latest update from the National Weather Service in New Orleans, today's partly sunny skies with a high near 74 are just the prelude to a more turbulent weekend. Southerly winds are expected to keep things mild tonight with potential patches of fog after the witching hour.
As the weekend rolls in, those planning outdoor activities should keep an eye on the sky. Saturday's forecast promises showers and thunderstorms with the chance of precipitation sitting at a solid 80%. The evening offers little reprieve, with the likelihood of more showers and rumbles before the potential calm after 3am.
For those banking on a sunny end to the weekend, Sunday dials back to a mere 20 percent chance of showers before the afternoon greets us with partly sunny skies and a peak of 69 degrees. Strong northwest winds, however, could make for some brisk air and flying napkins at your picnic. The reprieve continues into Monday with clear skies and amiable temperatures paving the way for a pleasant start to the work week.
Tuesday continues the sunny streak, but those with pollen allergies should keep tissues at hand as the South winds return. By midweek, the city's weather plays coy, offering a high near 75 under partly sunny conditions, but by nightfall, the threat of showers and thunderstorms creeps back. "A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms," the National Weather Service reminds us, hinting that maybe, just maybe, the weather gods might cut us a break.
The rollercoaster forecast wraps up on Thursday with sunny skies and a high near 78. Amid the fluctuations, it seems New Orleans will grace us with a taste of perfect spring warmth to round out the week. Locals well-versed with the region's unpredictable weather patterns will no doubt take each day as it comes, equipped with sunscreen and rain boots alike, ready to march to the beat of Mother Nature's drum.
