New Orleans woke up to a clear, muggy Friday with temperatures hovering around 73°F and dew points in the low 70s, the kind of air that feels more like a light sweat than a breeze. Friday, May 29 will stay mostly sunny with a high near 86°F, but a slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. CDT grows into a better shot at scattered showers and thunderstorms later in the afternoon. Most spots can expect new rainfall totals between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Winds will stay light from the southwest at 0–5 mph.
Afternoon Storms Could Slow Your Commute
Scattered, daytime heating storms are most likely Friday afternoon, with the main thunderstorm window running roughly 1–5 p.m. CDT and brief heavy downpours in the mix. According to the National Weather Service New Orleans, most neighborhoods will probably stay dry, but any storm that does pop up could drop quick flooding and cut visibility on city streets. If you are heading out during that window, build in some extra time and keep a radar app handy, especially if your plans involve outdoor events or cross-town drives.
Tonight Through The Weekend
Friday night stays on the sticky side with lows near 75°F and a lingering chance of showers through about 8 p.m. CDT before things quiet down. The weekend turns warmer and a bit less damp overall, with a high near 88°F on Saturday and near 89°F on Sunday. By Sunday and Monday, heat indices could push into the upper 90s to around 100, so outdoor work and long festivals will call for plenty of water and shade breaks. For more on how this fits into the broader wet pattern, check out that weeklong soaker setup.
River Flooding Update
Rains earlier this week produced flash flooding and elevated river levels, particularly in parts of Pearl River County and the Mississippi coast, and those river impacts are still working their way downstream. The National Weather Service notes that river stages will remain high today, so residents in low-lying neighborhoods should steer clear of flooded roads and follow local officials for any closure updates. If you live in or drive through areas that tend to collect water, plan alternate routes and do not try to power through standing water, no matter how shallow it looks.
