New Orleans is heading into a sunny Saturday with a high near 72 degrees, light north winds and no rain in the forecast. The bigger change is behind the front: air turns drier, mornings cool down, and fire-weather concerns increase across the region early next week.
The National Weather Service expects mostly sunny skies Saturday, with highs in the 70s. The update builds on Hoodline's earlier forecast while adding a more serious warning about dry conditions and outdoor burning.
Sunny Weekend, Cooler Nights
Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 54 degrees, while Sunday stays mostly sunny with a high near 69. Sunday night should again settle near 54 degrees in New Orleans, although inland communities could dip into the 40s as cooler air spreads across southeast Louisiana.
The waters of Lake Pontchartrain are expected to keep overnight temperatures around the city somewhat milder than farther inland. Monday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 72 degrees, as cooler, drier conditions continue.
Dry Air Raises Outdoor-Burning Concern
Forecasters say drier air and ongoing drought conditions will elevate fire-weather risk from Sunday through Tuesday. Residents in areas under burn bans should avoid outdoor burning, and everyone should use extra caution with grills, fire pits and anything else that could send sparks into dry vegetation.
Cooler Early Next Week, Then Cooler By Friday
Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 75 degrees, followed by a slight chance of rain showers before midnight. Veterans Day on Wednesday remains partly sunny with a high near 75, but the pattern turns cooler late in the week, with highs near 73 Thursday and 67 Friday.
Friday night could bring the coolest conditions of the forecast period, with mostly clear skies and a low around 50 degrees. For weekend plans, the forecast is mostly favorable for outdoor events, but the dry landscape remains the main weather-related concern.
