New Orleans woke up to cloudy skies, a sharp northeast breeze, and temps near 61°F at KNEW on the morning of April 19, with showers and thunderstorms likely during the pre‑noon commute. The soggy start should taper off around midday as the front finally slips offshore and the worst of the wet weather moves out.
Forecasters pegged the best window for showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., with a high near 71°F and northeast winds around 15 mph that could gust up to 35 mph. That combination means a blustery ride to work and scattered downpours capable of dropping a few tenths of an inch of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Boaters And Commuters
Small Craft Advisories remain posted for the coastal waters through Monday evening, as northerly winds build to 20 to 25 knots, or about 23 to 29 mph. Small‑boat operators are urged to hold off on any trip that is not absolutely necessary and to stay tuned to short‑term marine forecasts, while drivers should be ready for sudden gusts that can shove around high‑profile vehicles. For a sense of how sharply this front flips the script from last week, check out our look at when New Orleans basked in spring heat.
What To Expect This Week
Behind the front, drier and slightly cooler air slips in on Monday, bringing mostly sunny skies and highs near 75°F. By midweek, the warmth is back, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the low 80s by Thursday as a ridge settles in over the region. That ridge is expected to hold into the latter half of the week, although forecasters flag a slight chance of showers returning by Friday night and into the weekend as subtropical energy nudges in from the south. If you are trying to time outdoor plans around the rain, Monday and the midweek stretch look like your best bets for a drier window.
In the meantime, secure loose patio furniture and umbrellas, give the marine forecast a once‑over before you launch, and build in a few extra minutes for the morning drive. If a heavy downpour catches you, steer clear of flooded streets, turn around, do not drown, and keep an eye on local updates through Monday morning.
