New Orleans started Monday under clear skies and a crisp hint of cool, with the KNEW observation clocking in around 63°F early in the morning. The city is set for a mostly sunny day, with a high near 75°F and an east breeze of about 10 to 15 mph inland. That onshore wind will keep lakefront and marina waters noticeably choppy even as the weather feels pretty ideal for late April.
Afternoon Winds And Small Boats
Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas and nearby coastal waters into this evening as northeast-to-east winds push around 20 knots over open water. Mariners and anyone planning short, unprotected runs are being urged to think twice, stay in port or stick to more sheltered waterways. According to the National Weather Service, advisories cover multiple coastal and lake zones and could linger into the overnight hours in some spots.
Dry Air And Fire Weather
Very dry air is moving in this week, with afternoon relative humidities expected to fall into the mid-20s across parts of south Mississippi and adjacent southeast Louisiana, a setup that can dry out lawns and brush in a hurry. Winds are forecast to be on the breezy side but not quite strong enough to trigger Red Flag Warnings, so outdoor burning should still be avoided as a precaution. For earlier context on the current warm, dry stretch, see our spring heat and sunshine.
This Week At A Glance
Highs will climb into the upper 70s to low 80s by midweek: around 75°F Monday, near 80°F Tuesday (April 21), and low 80s possible by Friday and into the weekend. The chance for organized rain stays small through midweek, with forecasters keeping only a slight chance, about 20 percent, of afternoon showers or isolated storms on Wednesday (April 22) and higher but still modest chances later in the week. If you are mapping out outdoor plans, check the updated forecast from the National Weather Service for more precise timing.
How To Plan
For afternoon activities, bring water and sunscreen and expect the lake breeze to take the edge off the warmth, especially near the shoreline. Boaters should secure loose gear, postpone short unprotected trips, and check the marine forecast before leaving the dock. Early commuters may run into patchy fog near waterways, but otherwise the ride looks smooth. Forecasts and advisories could shift, so keep an eye on local updates as the week rolls on.
