New Orleans is starting Wednesday under clear skies and temperatures around 84 degrees, but the calm morning will give way to a dangerous afternoon heat surge. The high is expected to reach 95 degrees, with heat index values climbing as high as 110.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday for New Orleans and much of southeast Louisiana, according to the National Weather Service. Residents should drink plenty of fluids, use air conditioning when possible, avoid prolonged time in the sun and check on relatives and neighbors who may be vulnerable to heat illness.
Heat Builds Through The Afternoon
Temperatures should reach about 90 degrees around noon before rising into the low and mid-90s through the afternoon. West winds of 5 to 10 mph may provide only limited relief, while the combination of heat and humidity keeps outdoor work and exercise risky.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low near 79 degrees, although the heat index could remain as high as 106 and temperatures may rise back toward 81 overnight. The warm night will offer little relief before Thursday brings another sunny 95-degree afternoon.
Only A Brief Storm Chance Wednesday
Rain chances remain limited, with about a 20% chance of a shower or thunderstorm between 1 and 2 p.m. Most of the day should stay mostly sunny, and any rainfall is expected to total less than a tenth of an inch.
Any storm that does develop could bring a quick downpour and temporarily stronger winds, but widespread rain is not expected. The forecast is otherwise dominated by heat rather than storm activity.
Hot Stretch Extends Into The Weekend
The heat is expected to stick around through the weekend, with highs near 96 degrees Friday and Saturday and 97 degrees Sunday. Monday should reach about 96 degrees, while Tuesday remains sunny for most of the day with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Overnight lows are forecast to stay near 80 degrees from Thursday night through early next week. With several days of temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s and warm nights, cumulative heat could become an increasing concern for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
