New Orleans

Cloudy Morning, Steamy Midweek On Tap For New Orleans

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Published on May 12, 2026
Cloudy Morning, Steamy Midweek On Tap For New OrleansSource: Google Street View

Tuesday is starting off gray in New Orleans, with clouds hanging low and temperatures hovering near 706F in thick humidity. A stray shower may drift through before midmorning, but the main thing to watch today is a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 806F. Northeast winds will stay on the lighter side at around 5 6 610 mph, with the chance for stronger gusts up to 25 mph later in the day.

Afternoon Rain And Brief Gusts

The National Weather Service is calling for a slight chance of showers and a few thunderstorms between about 1 and 5 p.m., with most spots that see rain picking up between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Any storm that pops could deliver a quick, heavy downpour and a burst of gusty wind. Widespread severe weather is not in the cards, but keeping a light raincoat or umbrella nearby this afternoon is still a smart play.

What This Means For Your Commute

An early sprinkle could slick up bridges and low-lying stretches of road, so giving yourself a little extra time for morning school runs and errands would not be overcautious. By later in the day most pavement should dry out quickly between cells, but any brief downpours could cause minor ponding and slowdowns, so be ready for some stop-and-go if you are crisscrossing town during the afternoon.

Boaters And The Week Ahead

Winds trend offshore this morning before easing, which means boaters and small-craft operators should make sure loose gear is tied down and check the latest coastal updates before casting off. Looking ahead, the pattern turns drier and warmer, with mostly sunny skies expected from Wednesday into the weekend and daytime highs climbing into the mid-to-upper 80s as humidity builds heading into early next week.

Where This Fits In

Today’s brief shot at showers fits into a broader, gradually drying setup after the wetter spell earlier this month; that rush-hour soaker and its morning storms were part of those rounds. For official updates and the latest marine forecasts, keep an eye on the National Weather Service page linked above before you head out.