New Orleans was clear and around 84 degrees at 5:40 a.m. Sunday, but the calm morning will give way to dangerous heat. Temperatures are expected to climb near 96, with the heat index reaching as high as 115 during an Extreme Heat Warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Heat Peaks Sunday Afternoon
The most punishing stretch arrives from late morning through evening, when heat and humidity will make outdoor activity risky. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and light northwest winds, with only a 20% chance of a brief shower or thunderstorm between 1 and 4 p.m.
The National Weather Service is urging people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours and check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left in parked vehicles, where temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
A Sticky Night, Then Another Hot Monday
Sunday night will offer little relief, with a low near 80 and a heat index still reaching up to 109 before skies turn mostly clear. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms lasts until about 8 p.m., with rain chances at 20%.
Monday looks nearly as harsh, with a high near 96 and heat index values up to 112. An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for Monday from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m., while the rest of the week stays mostly in the mid-90s.
Limited Rain Relief Ahead
Tuesday through Friday will remain mostly sunny and hot, with highs around 95 and only isolated afternoon storm chances on Wednesday and Friday. Saturday brings a slightly lower high near 93 and the week's best rain odds, but the chance of showers and thunderstorms is still only around 30%.
