New Orleans is getting one more bright, comfortable day before Halloween weekend brings a sharper turn toward showers and thunderstorms. Wednesday, October 28, should stay sunny with a high near 79 degrees, while the next few nights remain mild and rain-free.
Sunny Skies Hold Through Friday
The latest outlook keeps New Orleans dry through most of Friday, with sunny weather Thursday and partly sunny skies Friday. Highs should reach about 79 degrees Thursday and 80 degrees Friday, while overnight lows settle in the upper 50s to mid-60s.
The forecast remains broadly similar to Tuesday's outlook, but the weekend rain threat is now the main item to watch. Hoodline's previous forecast outlined the dry stretch that is now carrying New Orleans into the final days before Halloween.
Elevated Fire Danger Continues
Dry conditions are creating a more serious concern than the mild temperatures. The National Weather Service says drought, dry fuels, low humidity and light to moderate winds could allow fires to spread more easily through at least Thursday.
Residents should follow any burn bans in effect and use extra caution with grills, cigarettes and other open flames. New Orleans is not under a land-based weather alert in the current outlook, but fire conditions can still change quickly in dry areas.
Halloween Weekend Brings Storm Chances
Saturday, October 31, is the first day with a meaningful rain threat. Rain chances begin after 1 p.m., with a 60% chance of precipitation, mostly cloudy skies and a high near 82 degrees.
Showers and thunderstorms remain likely into Saturday evening before easing to a chance overnight. Sunday brings another slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 80, so outdoor Halloween plans may need a backup option.
Coastal Flooding And Rougher Water Near Mississippi
A coastal flood advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, through 4 a.m. Thursday, October 29, for Hancock County, Mississippi. The expected flooding is minor, with water potentially reaching less than a foot above normally dry ground; the current advisory does not cover New Orleans.
Boaters should also watch for rougher conditions later Thursday and Friday as easterly winds increase over the coastal waters. The outlook says winds could reach 20 to 25 knots offshore, with seas rising above 7 feet.
Warm Start To Next Week
The unsettled pattern does not last all week. Monday, November 2, should dry out, with temperatures in the low 80s, while Tuesday could bring a frontal passage and lower-to-mid precipitation probabilities.
