New Orleans shook off a cool start in the mid-50s Wednesday morning and is headed for a spring-like afternoon, with temperatures rising into the low 70s. Mostly sunny skies are on tap, with a high near 73 and a steady south breeze helping keep things mild into the evening.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds of 5 to 15 mph are expected today, settling into a steady 10 to 15 mph through the afternoon with occasional gusts near 20 mph. The National Weather Service notes that coastal waters will be noticeably windier, and Small Craft Advisories remain in place through at least Thursday for parts of the western Gulf zones. Mariners and waterfront event planners should expect a building chop and plan for seas in the 4 to 6 foot range in exposed areas.
Thursday Night Rain And Thunder
A front sliding into the region late Thursday is expected to bring rain showers before 3 a.m., followed by more widespread showers and a few thunderstorms into Friday morning. The latest National Weather Service discussion calls for rainfall totals around 0.25 to 0.75 inches, with locally higher amounts possible east of I-55. Severe weather is not anticipated at this time, though a few storms could be on the gusty side. Temperatures stay unusually warm through the weekend, with highs in the mid-70s to around 80 into early next week.
What This Means For Your Plans
Drivers can expect a breezy commute this afternoon and the chance for wet roads if you are out late Thursday night or early Friday, so it is worth building in a little extra time for overnight travel. Boaters should hold off on nonessential offshore trips while Small Craft Advisories are posted and keep a close eye on updated marine forecasts before heading out. Otherwise, the weekend looks mostly dry and warm, making it a good setup for a riverfront walk or an afternoon at the park.
