New Orleans is easing into Tuesday with clear skies over KNEW and a cool wake-up around 64°F, but it will not stay that way for long. A sunny, warm afternoon is on tap, with a high near 80°F on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. East to southeast winds around 5 to 15 mph will keep the lakefront feeling a bit cooler while inland neighborhoods slip into the upper 70s and low 80s. Forecasters expect a steady warmup through the week, with the next real shot at rain arriving closer to the weekend.
Today
Look for partly to mostly sunny skies with highs around 80°F and an easterly breeze at 5 to 15 mph. That onshore flow will kick up some chop on Lake Pontchartrain and nearby coastal waters, so small boats should plan for Small Craft Exercise Caution conditions this afternoon. These details come from the National Weather Service.
Afternoon Commute And Outdoor Plans
Midday and afternoon drive times should stay dry, just on the breezy side, with temperatures topping out in the early to mid afternoon. If you are headed to an outdoor event, especially in inland spots that run warmer, sunscreen and plenty of water are smart moves. Anyone spending time near the lake or going out on a small craft should plan around choppy conditions and make sure loose gear is secured.
Late Week Rain Chances
Rain chances start to creep back in on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with a slight chance of showers and a few thunderstorms after 1 p.m., mainly west of I-55. Those odds ramp up by Friday, April 24, when scattered storms move into the picture. The threat for stronger storms increases into the weekend as a front approaches, with the best chance for brief heavy downpours and gusty winds from Friday through Sunday. For more on the timing and hourly breakdown, see the full forecast from the National Weather Service.
Weekend Outlook
By Saturday and Sunday, highs should climb into the mid 80s, setting up a warm, muggy stretch between showers. If you have outdoor plans from Friday night through Sunday morning, it is worth keeping an eye on forecast updates and having a backup plan ready to go.
