New Orleans is waking up to clear skies, calm winds and already muggy air Saturday morning, with temperatures around 81 degrees. The city is headed for a mostly sunny afternoon near 91 degrees, but humidity will make it feel closer to 105. A few slow-moving showers and thunderstorms could interrupt the day between 1 and 3 p.m.
The afternoon rain chance is only about 20%, so many neighborhoods may stay dry. Still, the National Weather Service says storms that do form could drop heavy rain quickly, with rainfall rates capable of causing brief street flooding in poorly drained or low-lying areas.
Light Winds Will Not Offer Much Relief
Winds should stay light Saturday, generally 0 to 5 mph from the east during the day before turning southerly tonight. That means little breeze to cut through the humidity, even as temperatures ease into the upper 80s late in the afternoon.
Tonight will be mostly clear with a low near 78 degrees. The best window for outdoor plans is the morning, while anyone heading out later should keep water nearby and know where to take shelter if thunder roars nearby.
Sunday Brings A Better Chance Of Heavy Rain
Sunday looks hotter than it may feel at first glance, with a high near 90 and heat-index values again reaching about 105. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely after 11 a.m., with a 40% chance of rain and 1 to 2 inches possible in spots.
Some storms could be slow enough to create quick ponding on streets, especially where drainage is poor. Monday keeps the unsettled pattern going with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by another storm chance Tuesday as highs hover around 90 to 91 degrees.
Hotter Finish To The Week
Rain chances gradually ease from Wednesday through Friday, but the heat builds. Highs are forecast near 92 degrees Wednesday, 93 Thursday and 94 Friday, with afternoon storm chances falling from about 30% to 20% and then 15%.
No weather advisories are posted for the area as of Saturday morning, but the combination of heat and sudden downpours still calls for some basic summer discipline: hydrate, take breaks in air conditioning and avoid driving through water that has collected on the roadway.
