New Orleans is starting Thursday under clear skies, but the calm morning will give way to a high near 95 and a heat index up to 111. A Heat Advisory runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., when the combination of heat and humidity could make outdoor time risky.
The National Weather Service expects sunny skies with a light west wind around 5 mph, which will do little to blunt the heat. Rain chances are only around 6%, and any rainfall should total less than a tenth of an inch.
Little Relief Arrives Overnight
Thursday night will turn partly cloudy, but temperatures will only fall to around 80. Heat index values could still reach 106 overnight, leaving homes without reliable air conditioning and people working outdoors with limited relief.
Storm Chances Return Friday Afternoon
Friday will be another hot day, with a high near 96 and heat index values as high as 110. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 2 p.m., with somewhat better storm coverage expected Friday afternoon and evening.
Saturday and Sunday stay mostly sunny with highs near 96, while storm chances remain limited. The pattern becomes a little wetter from Monday through Wednesday, when afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible alongside highs from 94 to 95.
Heat Safety Remains The Priority
Residents should drink plenty of fluids, take breaks in air conditioning or shade, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and check on relatives and neighbors. Children, older adults, people with health conditions and anyone working outside face higher risks from heat illness.
