New Orleans is waking up to clear skies and temperatures around 82 degrees Monday morning, but the calm will not last all day. The mercury is expected to climb to about 95 degrees, with the heat index reaching 107 before a round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms arrives. The main storm window starts after 1 p.m., making Monday a split-screen forecast: sunny and punishing first, wet and noisy later.
The National Weather Service says rain chances rise to about 50% Monday afternoon, with the best odds from roughly 1 p.m. through early evening. Most storms should fade around sunset, but stronger cells could bring damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and brief, very heavy rain; no watches or warnings are posted for the city at this time. Downpours may briefly overwhelm drainage in low-lying or heavily paved parts of the metro area.
Storm Chances Stay High All Week
Tuesday looks cooler but wetter, with a high near 90 and showers and thunderstorms likely after 7 a.m., with a 70% rain chance. Wednesday brings a high near 92 and a 60% storm chance, while Thursday currently looks like the soggiest day, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 90. Friday and Saturday also stay storm-prone, with highs around 90.
Heat Relief Comes With A Lightning Asterisk
Storm clouds should keep the heat from fully running away through the workweek, but mornings will remain muggy, with lows mostly in the upper 70s. Sunday trends slightly warmer and quieter, with a high near 91 and a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Anyone heading outside Monday should plan strenuous activity for the morning, carry water and have a quick indoor backup once thunder starts. A storm can cool the block fast, but lightning and sudden wind are reasons to leave parks, pools and outdoor patios before the rain arrives.
-4.webp?w=160&h=400&fit=crop&crop=edges)