New Orleans starts Friday warm and clear, but the calm will not last. Thunderstorms are expected to become more likely this afternoon, setting up a stormy weekend with heavy rain and localized flooding concerns.
Temperatures will be near average Friday, with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely in the afternoon and evening. Rainfall could accompany Friday's storms, and the National Weather Service forecasts a mostly cloudy night with a low near 76.
Storms Build Into A Wet Weekend
Saturday brings a cooler high near 84 degrees, but rain chances jump to 80% during the day and 90% Saturday night. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread, with periods of heavy rain possible.
Sunday looks like the soggiest day, with a 100% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly cloudy skies and a high near 82. Forecasters expect 4 to 6 inches of rain along and south of Interstate 10 through Sunday, with isolated totals potentially approaching 8 inches.
Localized Flooding Could Become A Problem
The combination of deep tropical moisture and a slow-moving front could produce several hours of heavy rain, especially in coastal Louisiana. North of the front, totals are expected to be lower at roughly 1 to 3 inches, but saturated ground and overwhelmed drainage could still create ponding and localized flooding.
Residents should keep an eye on updated forecasts through the weekend and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Larger-than-normal tides and onshore winds may also bring minor coastal flooding during high-tide cycles over the next several nights.
Cooler, Breezier Weather Arrives Next Week
Rain chances ease somewhat Monday and Tuesday, though precipitation may be limited to coastal areas or offshore, as highs stay near 82 to 83 degrees. Northeast winds will increase, bringing a noticeable shift from the humid weekend pattern.
By Wednesday and Thursday, highs are expected to hover around 80 to 81 degrees, with breezier easterly winds after northeasterly winds early in the week and only a slight chance of showers by Thursday. For New Orleans, the forecast offers a cooler finish to a very wet stretch.
