New Orleans is starting Wednesday, August 5, with clear skies, sticky air and temperatures already around 82 degrees. The city should heat up to near 92 before scattered showers and thunderstorms begin developing after 1 p.m.
Sunny Start, Stormy Afternoon
The morning looks quiet, with temperatures climbing through the 80s under mostly sunny skies. The chance of rain rises to about 30% this afternoon, and any storm could bring lightning, a brief gusty wind or a quick burst of heavy rain.
Winds will stay light, generally from the west at 5 mph or less, before shifting south near the afternoon storm window. Rainfall is expected to remain spotty, with new amounts generally below a tenth of an inch, so one neighborhood could get soaked while another stays completely dry.
Hot And Humid Pattern Continues
Tonight will turn mostly clear after a slight chance of evening storms, with lows near 78 degrees and temperatures edging back toward 80 overnight. Thursday brings another high near 92 with a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, while Friday and Saturday stay mostly sunny with highs around 92 and only a slight storm chance.
The wetter stretch arrives Sunday and Monday, when showers and thunderstorms become likely and rain chances rise to about 56%. The National Weather Service New Orleans says increasing Gulf moisture will push afternoon heat index values generally into the 100-to-107-degree range through the period, though no widespread hazardous heat is currently expected.
Outdoor Plans May Need A Backup
For Wednesday plans, the best bet is to get outdoor errands and activities done in the morning, then keep an eye on the sky after lunch. Storms should be scattered and short-lived, but lightning is a reason to head indoors when thunder rolls in, and slow-moving downpours could briefly make streets slick or reduce visibility.
