New Orleans woke up in a sweat this morning. The Lakefront station is already clocking around 83°F with partly cloudy skies, and it is only going to get stickier. Highs are expected near 93°F today, with heat index values pushing up to about 105°F this afternoon, so this is a day for water bottles, shade and short errands.
Today Through Early Week
For now, the weather is mostly behaving. Expect mostly sunny skies today with light southwest winds and only a small chance of an isolated shower. The high should top out near 93°F before easing back a bit later in the afternoon.
The real action arrives Monday through Wednesday, as a front stalls nearby and opens the door to more showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters say Tuesday looks like the wettest day, with storms likely. According to the National Weather Service, a "Slight Risk" for flash flooding is in place Monday and Tuesday, especially where thunderstorms repeatedly pass over the same neighborhoods.
Plan and Safety
Until the storms roll in, the main threat is the heat. Try to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on neighbors who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures.
If you need air-conditioning and a break from the sauna vibes, use the NOLA Ready heat relief map to find cooling-center locations and hours.
As rain chances climb Monday and Tuesday, be ready for localized street flooding in low-lying spots if heavy storms stall over a neighborhood. Give yourself extra time for commutes and avoid driving through standing water, no matter how shallow it looks.
Boaters and Lakefront
On the water, winds should stay light early in the week, with seas running around 2 to 4 feet. Conditions could turn windier by Wednesday and may approach small-craft advisory levels. If you are heading to the lakefront or launching a boat, keep an eye on updated forecasts and plan for choppier conditions by midweek.
