New Orleans is waking up to warm, muggy skies Sunday, with temperatures in the mid-60s and mostly sunny conditions expected through the afternoon. Highs will climb toward 81°F before a sharp frontal passage moves in and brings showers and thunderstorms late tonight, as reporte by the National Weather Service.
Late tonight (Sunday, March 15) into early Monday morning (March 16), a line of showers and thunderstorms will push through the metro. Forecasters warn that some storms may become severe, with damaging gusts and an isolated tornado possible over extreme southeast parishes or offshore. The National Weather Service puts overnight rain chances around 90%, with storms most likely between about 10 p.m. and midnight Sunday, gusts up to roughly 35 mph, and rainfall totals of a quarter to a half inch, according to the National Weather Seervice New Orleans.
Monday Wind Advisory and Cooler Air
A Wind Advisory is in effect Monday, March 16 from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. for coastal parishes and areas south of Lake Pontchartrain, with north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph expected. Temperatures will tumble, with highs only reaching the mid-50s on Monday, and the gusty, dry flow will raise fire-weather concerns inland and make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles.
Marine, Commute and Outdoor Impacts
Gale conditions are likely over the coastal waters late Sunday night into Monday, with seas building over 12 feet and hazardous boating conditions. Small craft advisories and a gale watch are in effect for offshore zones. Boaters should stay in port, and drivers should secure loose outdoor items, since bridges and exposed routes will be windy, and check updated guidance. For background on the ongoing pattern, see our March 11 update on rowdy overnight storms poised to rattle New Orleans.
Practical steps: bring a raincoat for late-evening plans on Sunday, avoid unnecessary travel during the peak gusts on Monday, and keep phones charged so you can receive warnings. Monitor the NWS forecasts and local officials for any watches or warnings that may be issued overnight.
