New Orleans gets one more sunny, comfortable day Thursday before Halloween weekend turns more unsettled. The high should reach about 79 degrees with no rain expected, but dry fuels and lingering drought conditions are keeping fire danger elevated across the region.
Sunny Thursday, Cloudier Friday
Thursday will stay sunny with a northeast breeze around 5 to 10 mph, while temperatures ease into the low 60s overnight. Friday should reach near 80 degrees, with conditions staying dry through most of the day.
The National Weather Service says the dry stretch is giving way to deeper moisture arriving late Friday. That sets up the weekend's more noticeable change, even though Thursday itself should be an easy outdoor-weather day.
Halloween Weekend Could Get Wet
Saturday brings a high near 82 degrees and a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Saturday night turns partly cloudy, with a slight chance of overnight showers, so Halloween plans may want a backup option.
Sunday remains warm near 80 degrees, with a slight chance of showers. Monday looks drier and partly sunny near 79 degrees, but storm chances return Tuesday and Wednesday as another weather system approaches.
Fire Danger And Coastal Water Concerns
The National Weather Service is urging residents to obey burn bans and use extreme caution with outdoor flames Thursday. Dry vegetation, drought conditions and periods of low humidity could allow a fire to spread more easily, so residents should use caution with outdoor flames.
Along the coast, minor flooding is possible during high tides through the weekend. A coastal flood advisory is in effect for Hancock County from 1 to 5 a.m. Friday, while boaters should expect easterly winds, choppier open-Gulf waters and seas around 3 to 6 feet.
