As New Orleans enjoys a brief chill, the National Weather Service is predicting a steady climb in temperatures throughout the week, with things looking to warm up by next weekend. Starting with today's crisp 48-degree high and an assertive northwest wind keeping the wind chill in a cooler range, residents will want to keep their jackets close at hand. The National Weather Service's detailed forecast notes a sunny disposition for the big easy which, after a mostly clear night, should gracefully transition into Martin Luther King Day with another sun-soaked high around 56 degrees.
But don't get too blindsided to absolutely follow those chilly temps out, as the week promises a warming trend that will have citizens shedding layers by the weekend. Tuesday and Wednesday are forecasted to be mostly sunny and cloudy, respectively, with the thermostat gradually inching up to Wednesday's more comfortable 63 degrees. According to the National Weather Service update, the latter part of the week could bring some showers, so keep that umbrella handy just in case.
Thursday may start with a few morning showers, then turn partly sunny with a high near 63. Friday warms up to almost 70 degrees with some sun and only a slight chance of evening showers. The warming trend continues into the weekend, with Saturday reaching about 73, though a few showers are still possible. Overall, it’s a warmer week in New Orleans with a little rain mixed in.
So whether you're out celebrating M.L.King Day or just going about your weekly routine, be prepared for a bit of a weather roller coaster. Keep those layers ready to shed as the temperatures promise to tick up each day, all leading to what should be a markedly warmer weekend, as per the National Weather Service forecast.
