New Orleans is prepping for a bout of typical summer weather, with the National Weather Service forecasting a high chance of showers and thunderstorms in the coming week. According to the latest from the NWS, the Big Easy should expect thunderstorms likely between 1pm and 5pm today, with a mostly sunny outlook and a high creeping up to a balmy 91 degrees. Calm winds will shift westward in the afternoon—nothing out of the ordinary for those familiar with the Gulf's summer climate.
Things won't cool off much tonight either, as the city is looking at a low around 77 degrees and continued chances of rain and thunderstorms before midnight but there's a slight chance of more thunderstorms after 5 a.m, so it's not quite time to put away the umbrellas. The southwest wind will maintain a gentle 5 mph pace, offering little reprieve from the muggy conditions characterizing these June days.
The forecast, as posted on the NWS's website, doesn't promise much change for tomorrow either. Residents should expect similar conditions with showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm, even as the sun beats down to heat things up to about 90 degrees. The wind will pick up slightly, gusting west between 5 to 10 mph, yet that 70% chance of rain means there's no escaping the possibility of getting drenched.
Looking towards Independence Day, New Orleanians can anticipate a classic mix of sun, heat, and potential afternoon showers; so while beachgoers and BBQ enthusiasts might revel under sunny skies with a high near 93 degrees, they might well find their festivities punctuated by the beat of raindrops, the NWS advises not to get too comfortable because there's always a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 1 p.m.; a north wind will contribute a light 5 mph breeze to the picture.
