New Orleans is heading into a dangerous stretch of summer heat, with clear skies and temperatures already near 82 degrees before sunrise Saturday, August 15. The high is expected to reach 95, while humidity could push the heat index to around 110 — and locally as high as 115. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for the most dangerous part of the day.
The warning runs from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in New Orleans. Winds should stay light, around 5 mph, offering little relief as the afternoon heat builds. Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity and take the heat seriously.
Saturday night will remain muggy, with a low near 80 and a heat index as high as 107. Sunday, August 16, brings another sunny day with a high near 96 and heat index values up to 110, while an Extreme Heat Watch covers Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Heat Sticks Around Through The Workweek
The forecast does not offer much of a cooldown from Monday, August 17, through Thursday, August 20. Highs are expected to remain between 95 and 96 degrees, with overnight lows near 79 or 80 and mostly sunny or partly cloudy skies.
Rain chances stay low for most of the week, though a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives Friday afternoon. Any storm that develops could bring a brief downpour, but the larger story remains the persistent heat.
Plan Ahead For The Hottest Hours
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning when possible, avoid direct sun and check on older neighbors and anyone who may be especially vulnerable to heat illness. Never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle, where temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
The city’s NOLA Ready site lists potential Emergency Resource Centers for extreme heat and other emergencies, although activation depends on conditions and city capacity. With the weekend’s combination of mid-90s temperatures, high humidity and warm nights, outdoor plans should be built around shade, water and frequent breaks.
