New Orleans is waking up to a mostly cloudy, muggy Memorial Day, with temperatures hovering around 75°F and a dew point in the low 70s that makes the air feel downright sticky. A Flood Watch is in effect through the evening, and repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected. The strongest storms could bring intense, short-lived downpours that overwhelm neighborhood drainage. The first and most likely round of storms is set to move through late Monday morning into early afternoon on May 25, with additional rounds possible into the evening and beyond. Plan on extra travel time and skip the urge to power through standing water.
When To Expect Rain
Showers and thunderstorms are possible before 11:00 a.m. Monday and are most likely between about 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with highs near 80°F. Many neighborhoods could see roughly a quarter to a half inch of rain this afternoon, with locally higher totals where storms repeatedly pass over the same spot. Tuesday looks even wetter, with additional rounds of storms likely and some locations possibly picking up another half inch to three quarters of an inch.
Flood Watch And Local Risks
The Flood Watch covers metro New Orleans and much of southeast Louisiana through 7:00 p.m. CDT Monday, May 25, and rapid ponding is possible in low-lying streets and poor-drainage neighborhoods. Some storms could produce very high hourly rainfall rates, brief bursts of 1 to 3 inches, that can quickly overwhelm drainage and turn roads into no-go zones, according to the National Weather Service New Orleans. If water covers the road, turn around and do not drive through it, and move vehicles out of known low spots when you can do so safely.
City Guidance And Travel Tips
The city has temporarily allowed neutral-ground parking through Monday evening to help residents avoid curb flooding, per WDSU, and NOLAReady is asking people not to block intersections, streetcar tracks, sidewalks, or bike lanes. Brief transit and streetcar delays are likely during heavier downpours, along with crews tending to trouble spots. Keep a phone charger handy, sign up for local alerts, and resist the temptation to test the depth of those mystery puddles on surface streets.
What To Expect This Week
The unsettled pattern is expected to stick around into midweek. Tuesday’s high is forecast near 83°F with showers and thunderstorms likely, and scattered afternoon storms are possible through Friday, which keeps the flood risk elevated. Overnight lows will stay in the low to mid 70s. If you have outdoor plans later in the week, check updated forecasts each morning and line up indoor alternatives when heavy rain is in the cards.
