Saturday, May 2, New Orleans woke to a low gray ceiling and a chill in the air, with temperatures sitting around 57°F at the Lakefront (KNEW) this morning. The heaviest showers and the worst of the severe‑storm threat have already backed off, but breezy north winds and choppy coastal waters are set to define the weekend. Small pockets of ponding may linger in low spots during the morning commute. Expect highs in the low 70s as clouds gradually thin and some afternoon sunshine fights its way through.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Skies turn mostly sunny this afternoon with a high near 72°F, according to the National Weather Service. North winds around 15 mph will occasionally roar up to 30 mph, so it will feel blustery, especially along Lake Pontchartrain. Any leftover sprinkles should fade out after about 7 a.m., giving way to a brighter, breezy day.
Boaters and the Commute
A Small Craft Advisory remains posted for local waters through 7 a.m. CDT Sunday, May 3, 2026, which means small‑boat operators should brace for rough chop on Lake Pontchartrain and nearby coastal waters. Morning drivers should keep an eye out for slick patches and ponding where heavier downpours rolled through overnight and build in a little extra commute time. For a breakdown of those overnight rounds and how the setup evolved, revisit our coverage of Friday's storm train.
Next Week: Warmup and a Stormy Window
Things turn more springlike early next week. Highs climb into the upper 70s on Monday, then push into the 80s Tuesday and Wednesday, topping out in the mid 80s on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Forecasters are watching a frontal passage from Wednesday night into Thursday, which brings the next organized shot at showers along with a window for heavier, potentially strong storms and locally heavy rain. If you have late‑week outdoor plans, line up an indoor backup and check in with updated forecasts as Wednesday night approaches. Keep an eye on the National Weather Service for the latest.
Quick Safety Tips
Boaters: hold off on launching small craft until the advisory expires and secure any loose gear around docks or on deck. Drivers: ease up on the gas through standing water and never try to push through flooded streets, turn around, don’t drown. For outdoor events later in the week, keep that rain plan handy and monitor forecasts heading into Wednesday, May 6.
