Dense fog wrapped New Orleans in a gray blanket early today, slashing visibility and dragging out the morning commute. Observations at New Orleans Lakefront Airport reported fog with a muggy temperature near 61°F and relative humidity in the upper 80s.
Foggy Commute This Morning
The National Weather Service issued a Dense Fog Advisory for parts of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi through 9:00 a.m. CST today, with visibility possibly dropping to a quarter mile or less, according to National Weather Service. Drivers are urged to slow to conditions, stick with low beam headlights and leave extra stopping distance. Highway ramps and bridge approaches may be the toughest spots to navigate. The fog is expected to thin by mid-morning, giving way to partly sunny skies and a high near 72°F.
Stormy, Gusty Weekend On Deck
Once the fog lifts, attention turns to the weekend. Saturday, looks mild but increasingly breezy, with southeast winds building to 5 to 15 mph and gusts near 30 mph, along with a chance of spotty showers. Rain and thunderstorms are likely late Saturday night into Sunday, and the local forecast discussion points to a growing risk for damaging winds that could reach 60+ mph and frequent lightning. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Stronger gusts could jump into the mid 30s mph inside the heavier storms, so outdoor plans may need a quick pivot.
Mardi Gras Plans Could Get Jostled
Mardi Gras parades and events running through the long weekend may feel the weather squeeze. Expect foggy starts early and a gusty, potentially stormy period late Saturday into Sunday that could disrupt outdoor celebrations. Paradegoers should keep one eye on the sky and another on any last minute schedule tweaks. Check parade times and routes at the official schedule at New Orleans Official Guide. Boaters should be ready for Small Craft conditions on Saturday and Sunday and keep close tabs on marine forecasts before heading out.
Quick Tips
For drivers, the basics still work: ease off the gas, use low beams and give yourself extra room while the fog lingers. If you have outdoor plans on Saturday or Sunday, consider shifting them earlier in the day or lining up an indoor backup, and keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service. Mariners should be prepared to head for sheltered harbor if seas and winds start to deteriorate. For more background on how this kind of fog tangles up the morning rush, see how thick fog turned the morning drive into a crawl earlier this season.
