If you were hoping for a dry Memorial Day weekend in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area — think again. The National Weather Service is warning residents that daily chances of showers and thunderstorms will continue through the rest of this week and well into next week.
As of Saturday, May 23, temperatures are sitting around 76°F with mostly cloudy skies. But rain chances are already climbing — forecasters show a 30% to 60% chance of storms throughout the day, with thunderstorms becoming likely by afternoon. Expect a high of 86°F with humidity making it feel even hotter.
Flood alert: The excessive rainfall threat is rated “Slight — Level 2 of 4” this weekend. Watch for ponding water on roads. Do NOT drive through water-covered roads. Turn around, don’t drown.
The NWS says repeated rounds of rain through the coming days will make it easier for low-lying areas to flood. Most days carry a marginal risk of excessive rainfall, but this Sunday bumps up to a marginal-to-slight risk — meaning heavier downpours are possible in a short period of time.
Overnight lows will stay warm and muggy around 75°F, giving moisture little chance to clear before the next round of storms rolls in.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware this weekend. Keep an eye on the latest NWS updates at weather.gov/lix and follow @NWSNewOrleans on social media for real-time alerts. If you must travel, check road conditions before heading out — flooded roads can be deceptively dangerous.
Memorial Day plans? Keep them flexible — and keep an umbrella close.
