New Orleans is starting Tuesday, August 4, with clear skies, muggy air and temperatures around 81 degrees. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a sunny day before the mercury reaches 93 degrees, with only a small chance of a shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon.
Tuesday Stays Mostly Sunny
Rain chances rise to about 20% between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., while northwest winds remain light at 5 mph or less. Skies should turn mostly clear Tuesday night, with temperatures dipping to around 79 degrees and southwest winds near 5 mph.
Heat Builds As Gulf Moisture Returns
Drier air is giving the city a bit of relief compared with last week’s more oppressive conditions, but Tuesday will still be hot. By the latter half of the week, increasing humidity could push afternoon heat-index values into the 100-to-107-degree range, though no advisories or warnings are currently listed.
Storm Chances Rise After Wednesday
Wednesday, August 5, will be even warmer, with a high near 94 and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms; some storms could produce heavy rain, with a quarter-inch to a half-inch possible. Thursday through Saturday bring highs near 91 to 93 and daily storm chances around 30%, while Sunday, August 9, and Monday, August 10, carry the week’s strongest rain chances at 55% and 61%.
Morning and early-afternoon plans look like the safer bet Tuesday, before the small storm window opens. Anyone spending time outside should still plan for plenty of water, shade and a quick indoor escape if a storm develops.
