New Orleans is starting Thursday with clear skies and temperatures around 81 degrees, but the air is already humid enough to make August feel very much like August. The city should heat up to near 90 under early sunshine before showers and thunderstorms begin developing after 11 a.m. A few storms could drop a quarter to half an inch of rain, turning an ordinary afternoon into a quick umbrella and traffic test.
Storm Chances Arrive After Lunch
The National Weather Service puts Thursday’s rain chance at 50%, with mostly light southeast winds and temperatures easing back toward the upper 80s as storms develop. The strongest downpours should be brief, but outdoor plans could still get interrupted between late morning and sunset, and no watches, warnings or advisories are listed for the New Orleans area. The National Weather Service forecast also calls for partly cloudy conditions Thursday night, with a low near 77.
Weekend Looks Hot, With Pop-Up Storms
Friday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 90, with only a slight chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Saturday should be sunnier and a touch hotter at around 91, while Sunday keeps the heat near 91 and raises the rain chance to 40%. In other words, the weekend forecast is offering classic New Orleans summer terms: plenty of sun, plenty of humidity and no guarantee that the sky will mind its own business.
Rainier Start To Next Week
Monday currently looks like the wettest day in the near-term forecast, with showers and thunderstorms likely during the morning and a 55% overall chance of rain. Tuesday could reach 92 with a 40% storm chance, followed by another warm day Wednesday near 91 with afternoon storms possible. Forecasters say the heat index could approach 108 degrees along the Interstate 10 and Interstate 12 corridors Tuesday and Wednesday if storms arrive late, so the most comfortable outdoor window may be earlier in the day.
Plan Outdoor Time Around The Storm Window
For Thursday, the safest bet for outdoor errands or recreation is to go early and keep a backup plan ready after late morning. Have water on hand, check the radar before heading out and be prepared for lightning and a sudden downpour even if the sky starts out perfectly blue.
