By 5:35 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 23, New Orleans was already starting the day in full-on steam bath mode, sitting at about 77°F with a dew point near 75°F and humidity in the mid 90s. Skies were mostly cloudy, with scattered showers around early that are expected to organize into more widespread thunderstorms after about 8 a.m. The rest of the day looks unsettled, with highs in the mid 80s. Short, sharp downpours could quickly pond water on streets in low-lying neighborhoods, so treat any standing water with caution and build in extra time if you need to drive.
When The Downpours Will Hit
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely from this morning through the afternoon and into the early evening, with the greatest coverage expected during the warmest part of the day. Any stronger storm cells could unleash torrential rainfall, with forecasters calling for rates up to 2 to 5 inches per hour. That kind of deluge brings a flash flood risk to poor drainage spots, and some locations could tally 4 to 7 inches over the next seven days, according to National Weather Service New Orleans. The most robust storms may also kick out isolated strong to severe wind gusts.
Impact On Travel And Plans
Drivers should be ready for quick bursts of heavy rain that can slow traffic and trigger localized street flooding. Do not attempt to drive through water-covered roads, and consider shifting outdoor plans inside if storms are nearby. For street-flood reports, preparedness tips, and local guidance, check the City of New Orleans resources at NOLA Ready, and sign up for emergency alerts if you have not done so yet. If you are eyeing outdoor events for Memorial Day, keep a backup plan that involves a roof.
Memorial Day And The Week Ahead
Sunday and Memorial Day (Monday, May 25) are both expected to stay on the soggy side, with high rain chances and repeated rounds of storms likely into next week. If you have holiday travel or gatherings on the calendar, keep a close watch on updated forecasts. The main concern through the period will be localized flash flooding where storms train or stall, so review conditions before heading out and steer clear of flooded streets.
