If you’re stepping outside in New Orleans this morning, expect to be greeted by thick fog and mild temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory until 9 AM, warning drivers and early commuters to exercise caution as visibility could be significantly reduced.
Right now, temperatures are hovering around 71°F (22°C), and while the fog will lift later in the morning, the humidity will stick around. Over the next few days, New Orleans will experience a mix of clouds, warmth, and passing showers before a subtle cooldown arrives toward the end of the week.
What’s Happening with the Weather This Week?
New Orleans is no stranger to unpredictable weather, but this week is shaping up to be a rollercoaster of humidity, passing showers, and breezy conditions.
Here’s how the forecast is shaping up:
- Monday (Today): Cloudy skies in the morning, with the fog clearing up as the sun breaks through. Expect a high of 71°F (22°C) and a low of 65°F (18°C), with a slight chance of rain in the evening.
- Tuesday: Humidity returns in full force. Cloudy, breezy, and muggy, with a couple of showers possible throughout the day. High of 80°F (27°C), low of 69°F (20°C).
- Wednesday: The warmest day of the week! Cloudy, humid, and windy, with a high of 82°F (28°C). Expect occasional showers, and if you’re outside, be prepared for gusty winds making it feel even muggier.
- Thursday:Big change incoming! Temperatures dip to 69°F (21°C), and we’ll see increased cloud cover with passing showers throughout the day. It’ll feel noticeably cooler, especially in the evening.
- Friday: Another cloudy day with slightly cooler temperatures, high of 71°F (22°C), low of 66°F (19°C).
- Saturday: The weekend brings back the warmth! A high of 81°F (27°C), partly sunny, windy, and humid.
How Will This Weather Affect You?
With foggy mornings, breezy afternoons, and scattered rain showers, this week’s weather could create some challenges for those heading to work, school, or Mardi Gras festivities.
- Morning commuters should be extra cautious during dense fog hours. Visibility could be significantly reduced, especially near water, bridges, and low-lying areas.
- Afternoon humidity could make outdoor plans feel uncomfortable. If you’re planning to be outside, stay hydrated and dress in light clothing.
- Rain showers could pop up at any time, so keep an umbrella handy. While it won’t be a complete washout, light rain mixed with wind could create slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks.
- If you’re heading out late in the week, prepare for a temperature drop. Thursday’s cooldown won’t be extreme, but it will be noticeable compared to the warmth of earlier in the week.
Why Is New Orleans Seeing This Weather Pattern?
This week’s warm and humid conditions are being fueled by moist Gulf air pushing into the region. At the same time, a cold front is approaching, which will bring gusty winds, scattered showers, and a slight dip in temperatures later in the week.
The foggy mornings are a result of cooler nighttime air mixing with the warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating low cloud cover and misty conditions in the early hours.
The good news? This isn’t a major storm system, and by the weekend, New Orleans will return to its typical warm and breezy conditions.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready for a Little Bit of Everything This Week
New Orleans is in for a mix of warm, humid, and breezy days, with occasional showers and a slight cooldown by Thursday. While nothing extreme is on the horizon, drivers should be mindful of fog, and those with outdoor plans should be ready for shifting conditions.
If you’re heading to work early, drive carefully in the fog. If you’re spending the day outside, keep an umbrella nearby. And if you’re planning something for later in the week, be ready for slightly cooler weather.
