New Orleans woke up under clear skies this Monday morning, June 29, with temperatures already near 79°F and humidity turning the air into a warm blanket. Afternoon highs are headed for around 93°F, with heat-index values creeping into the low 100s, so this is not the day to schedule that midafternoon yard work marathon.
Afternoon Heat
High pressure overhead will keep winds light and skies mostly sunny, which means plenty of sun and not much relief. The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 93°F today, with the heat index reaching up to about 105°F. Forecasters do not expect to issue a heat advisory for Monday, but with east winds generally under 5 mph, it will feel hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Beat The Heat
If you do not have reliable air conditioning, the city's NOLA Ready heat-relief map lists cooling centers, hydration stations and other relief options. You can sign up for alerts or call 311 to find which sites are open. Keep water with you, avoid strenuous activity during the midafternoon peak, and check in on older neighbors, vulnerable friends and pets that cannot tell you when they are overheating.
Midweek Storm Risk
Moisture starts to surge back into the area on Tuesday, June 30, and the pattern turns more unsettled through Wednesday, July 1, as an easterly flow brings higher humidity and scattered storms. Any storms that form could drop brief but intense downpours of 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour, along with isolated damaging wind gusts or wet microbursts. The good news is that storms are expected to move along at roughly 15 to 20 mph, which should help limit more widespread flooding. If you have outdoor plans Tuesday or Wednesday, keep an eye on updated forecasts and have a backup plan.
Boaters And Weekend Plans
Winds should stay on the light side most days, but any thunderstorms that pop up can quickly kick up sudden gusts and choppy water. There is also a higher chance of scattered storms lingering into the Independence Day weekend. Before you head out on the water or plan an all-day cookout, check the latest short-term forecast and make sure you have a shaded, cool place to duck into if the heat ramps up or storms roll through.
