New Orleans

Steamy Morning, Street-Ponding Storms Target New Orleans Today

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Published on March 31, 2026
Steamy Morning, Street-Ponding Storms Target New Orleans TodaySource: Wikipedia/Gnu-Bricoleur, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Orleans wakes up cloudy and sticky this Tuesday, with early temperatures in the upper 60s and a daytime high near 82°F on tap. Showers and thunderstorms are likely on and off through the day, with the most widespread activity expected from late morning into the early afternoon. Most storms should be garden variety, but brief heavy downpours and an isolated strong storm are possible. Southeast winds around 5-10 mph will keep the humidity cranked up, so expect muggy conditions if you are out and about.

Timing And Commute Impact

Rounds of rain are most likely between about 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., which means both the morning and midday commutes could run into slowdowns and short-lived street ponding. Forecast rainfall amounts are generally light, a few tenths of an inch with isolated pockets up to about a quarter inch, but heavier bursts can knock down visibility in a hurry. Plan on travel delays and wet roads, according to the National Weather Service.

What To Expect This Week

A persistent southeasterly flow will keep daily shower and thunder chances in the picture through the week, with similarly warm, humid afternoons topping out in the low 80s most days. A front near Easter Sunday may bring a more widespread batch of showers and a modest cooldown early next week, with highs slipping into the 70s and nighttime readings into the 50s. Forecasters note that organized severe weather is unlikely, though a strong storm could still pop up if conditions come together late in the weekend.

Boaters And Outdoor Plans

On the coastal waters, expect steady southeast winds and seas around 2 to 4 feet through midweek, with winds strengthening and gusts becoming more noticeable on Thursday, conditions that could push toward small-craft caution levels at times. If you have riverfront or harbor plans, keep an eye on building winds and scattered thunderstorms that can cut visibility and kick up choppy conditions, per the NWS marine forecast. Check the latest marine products before heading out.

Practical game plan for today: carry rain gear, give yourself extra travel time, and try to postpone nonessential outdoor errands during peak shower hours. If you encounter standing water on local streets, turn around and avoid driving through flooded areas.