Clear skies are greeting New Orleans on Sunday, with sunshine expected to dominate the day. The afternoon should top out near 76 degrees, but the bigger concern is not rain—it is the combination of dry vegetation and enough wind to let a fire spread quickly.
The National Weather Service forecast generally easterly winds at forecast terminals, at no more than 10–12 knots. Sunday's rain chance is 1%. It is a pleasant setup for outdoor plans on land, provided grills, cigarettes and other open flames are handled with extra care.
Sunny Days, Cooler Nights
Sunday night will turn partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 61 degrees before edging upward overnight. Monday should be mostly sunny with another high near 76 and northeast winds around 10 mph.
The warm, dry pattern continues through the workweek, with highs near 78 from Tuesday through Friday and overnight lows mainly in the low 60s. Rain chances stay essentially nonexistent through Friday, while Saturday could reach 82 degrees.
Dry Fuels Keep Fire Risk Elevated
Elevated fire danger will continue, especially north of Interstate 10, where afternoon humidity is expected to fall into the 30% to 40% range. Winds should remain around 10 mph or less north of the interstate and closer to 10 to 15 mph across southeast Louisiana south of I-10.
The conditions remain below red-flag warning criteria, but drought and dry fuels could allow an escaped fire to spread quickly. Residents should follow any burn bans in place and avoid outdoor burning, including yard debris fires and unattended fire pits.
Boaters Face Rougher Conditions
Conditions will be more challenging offshore, where easterly winds are expected to run near 20 knots, or about 23 mph, with higher gusts. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday for most area coastal waters, while Lakes Pontchartrain, Maurepas and Salvador are excluded.
For New Orleans residents staying on land, Sunday offers bright skies and comfortable temperatures, with a warmer stretch ahead. For anyone heading onto the Gulf, the sunshine should not be mistaken for calm water.
