New Orleans rolled into Thursday morning wrapped in low, soupy fog and mist, with temperatures hovering near 61°F at local observation sites. A strong cold front that barreled through overnight left behind brisk northerly winds and a jumpy morning commute, with a Wind Advisory in place through the midmorning hours. The afternoon should top out near 65°F, with north winds around 15 to 20 mph and gusts pushing up to about 35 mph, and visibility could dip along the lakefront and across area bridges, according to the National Weather Service.
Morning Fog, Brisk North Wind
Early observations show mist hanging on and visibility trimmed to roughly six miles in some spots, while steady northerly winds run near 15 to 20 mph with stronger gusts mixed in. The National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory posted through 10 a.m. CDT and flags the potential for gusts around 35 to 40 mph on the lee side of lakes. Skies are expected to turn mostly sunny by around midday, and the stiff breeze should gradually back off as the afternoon wears on.
Afternoon Winds and Boating Concerns
Out over the water, marine alerts include gale and small craft advisories across many coastal zones, so recreational boaters are urged to stay tied up and secure smaller vessels until conditions settle down later today. On land, high profile vehicles may rock with sudden gusts during the morning drive, and anything from plastic chairs to porch decorations could get tossed around if left unsecured. If you have outdoor plans, consider holding off on light activities until after midmorning and make sure any loose items are strapped or weighted down.
Next Few Days
The cool, drier feel will not last long. Highs are forecast to rebound into the low 70s on Friday, then climb into the upper 70s to low 80s over the weekend before another front may slide through sometime between Sunday night and Monday. For a recap of the overnight action and earlier watches, see our look at the rowdy overnight storms. Keep phones charged and check in with local forecasts if you are planning to travel tonight.
