New Orleans woke to fog and temperatures around 72 degrees Tuesday morning, but the murky start is expected to give way to bright skies and an afternoon high near 86. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect through 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Fog is the main weather concern early; the forecast calls for no rain and light southeast winds.
The current National Weather Service advisory warns that dense fog could sharply reduce visibility across the New Orleans area. The agency advises drivers to slow down, use headlights and leave extra room. A 2024 report by The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com covered a previous fog advisory and similar precautions. The National Weather Service says a Dense Fog Advisory is issued when visibility is expected to fall to a quarter mile or less across a large area for an extended period, usually two hours or more.
Fog Lifts, Heat Takes Over
After the fog lifts, Tuesday is expected to turn sunny and warm, with a high near 86 degrees. Tonight should stay mostly clear with a low around 69, followed by a Wednesday high near 85, according to the National Weather Service.
How Tuesday’s high compares
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information describes climate normals as a benchmark for comparing current weather and forecasts. The National Weather Service’s Oct. 13 climate report lists a normal high of 82°F for New Orleans, so Tuesday’s forecast high of 86°F is 4 degrees above normal. The report lists the date’s record high as 89°F, set in 1962, 2014 and 2017—3 degrees above the forecast.
An earlier Hoodline forecast also discussed the extended warmth. Tuesday’s fog advisory is a separate near-term concern for people traveling early.
Weekend Brings A Noticeable Cooldown
The forecast keeps temperatures in the mid-80s through Friday. A cold front is expected to pass Friday night, ushering in a cooler, windier weekend.
Highs are forecast near 77 degrees Saturday and Sunday, with stronger winds expected over the weekend. Monday temperatures are expected to warm into the low to mid-80s, with a small chance of rain showers returning after 7 a.m.
For Tuesday, the playbook is simple: take the fog seriously early, then enjoy the sunshine. Anyone making outdoor plans for the weekend should prepare for a sharp change from tank-top weather to breezy, comfortable fall conditions.
