New Orleans wakes up Saturday to clear skies and a warm start near 73°F, with a muggy dewpoint in the upper 60s that makes the air feel sticky. Skies turn partly sunny and the afternoon high tops out near 85°F, with a light southeast breeze around 5 to 10 mph. Inland neighborhoods heat up fastest, while the lakefront hangs onto slightly cooler readings and gentler winds.
Sunday Storms Return
By Sunday, May 17, deep Gulf moisture surges north and brings back scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms, focused mainly west of the I-59 corridor and around the Atchafalaya Basin. The prime window for storms runs from about noon to 5 p.m., and a few cells could turn locally strong with gusty winds or small hail before activity fades after sunset. That timing and the localized risk are flagged by the National Weather Service.
Pack A Rain Plan
Plan on a backup for Sunday outdoor fun. Keep a lightweight rain jacket or poncho handy and cover outdoor seating at festivals, since brief heavy downpours can quickly cut visibility and slow traffic. If you are hosting an outdoor event Sunday afternoon, think about starting earlier in the day or lining up an indoor option just in case.
Week Ahead
From Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22, temperatures stay on the warm side, with highs in the mid to upper 80s and a steady southeasterly breeze. Shower and thunderstorm chances tick back up in the middle to latter part of the week as a front approaches, with the widest coverage of rain and storms looking most likely late in the week. Boaters should watch for seas building to about 3 to 5 feet offshore early next week, and check the marine forecast from the National Weather Service before heading out.
Quick Take
Soak up a warm, mostly dry Saturday, then keep a flexible plan for Sunday, especially in neighborhoods west of the city. Keep weather alerts enabled in case storms organize, and budget extra time for Sunday afternoon driving when downpours may briefly snarl traffic.
