New Orleans woke up Tuesday to clear skies and a sharp chill, with temperatures around 39°F at dawn under mostly sunny skies. A Freeze Warning is in effect through 9 AM CST for much of the area, except for parishes south of Lake Pontchartrain. Sunshine will help push highs to near 63°F this afternoon with light southeast winds, setting up a bright but cool day. Later in the week, a return of southerly flow will bring a noticeable warmup into the 70s, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Afternoon And The Week Ahead
Highs should top out near 63°F today, then jump to the mid 70s on Wednesday and the upper 70s by Thursday as more humid southerly winds develop. The next shot at measurable rain arrives late Thursday into Friday, with most amounts expected to stay under one half inch, according to the National Weather Service. A few showers may linger into Friday, and temperatures will slip a few degrees in the wake of the front before mostly dry and warm conditions return for the weekend. Look for cool mornings paired with comfortably warm afternoons later in the week.
Freeze Warning And What To Watch For
The Freeze Warning through 9 AM CST mainly threatens unprotected plants, exposed outdoor plumbing, and potted vegetation, so bring in tender plants or cover them where you can. Areas south of Lake Pontchartrain are less likely to dip below freezing, but inland neighborhoods and the north shore should expect frost on lawns and other unshaded surfaces during the morning commute. Simple steps like disconnecting hoses, insulating exposed pipes, and checking on elderly neighbors and pets can cut down the risk of weather-related damage. Roads should stay dry, but keep an eye on colder surfaces on bridges and overpasses early this morning.
Where This Update Fits
This forecast follows the weekend flip from muggy to chilly that forecasters flagged earlier in the week, which we broke down in a recent Hoodline update. For background on the weekend temperature swing and the earlier forecast discussion, see our previous story on the weekend weather flip. We will keep an eye on the late week system and will post updates if the timing or rainfall amounts shift.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans this afternoon, expect sunshine and highs in the low 60s. Mariners and event organizers should watch the Thursday–Friday system for increasing winds and the chance of showers. Check local updates before you travel, and sign up for alerts if you need real-time changes to the forecast.
