New Orleans has one more mostly sunny, hot day Wednesday before a stormy pattern takes over. The high should reach near 90 degrees, but the bigger story is the rain threat building Thursday and potentially turning into a flash-flood concern from Friday through Sunday.
Early Wednesday conditions were clear, with temperatures near 79 degrees and plenty of humidity in the air. The National Weather Service forecast points to a mostly sunny day with east winds of 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances are estimated at 35% to 50%, and skies may be partly cloudy overnight near 76 degrees.
Thursday Brings The First Storm Chances
The weather turns unsettled Thursday, with rain chances rising to 60%. Showers could arrive between late morning and early afternoon, followed by periods of thunderstorms through the afternoon, including a few storms capable of gusty winds, frequent lightning and brief heavy rain.
Friday through Sunday are shaping up as the main concern. Widespread rain and embedded thunderstorms could produce 3 to 6 inches across the area, with locally higher totals possible.
Flash Flooding Becomes The Weekend Risk
Forecasters say the heaviest downpours could produce rainfall rates of more than 4 inches per hour, enough to overwhelm drainage in urban and other low-lying areas. An earlier Hoodline forecast flagged the late-week turn wetter, but the latest outlook carries a sharper warning about heavy rain and localized flash flooding.
Rain chances may remain elevated beyond Monday, with showers and thunderstorms possible. No watches or warnings were listed Wednesday morning; still, residents should plan outdoor errands around the storm window, monitor updates and never drive through flooded streets.
