New Orleans Braces for Stormy Weekend After Foggy Start

Strong storms possible late Saturday into early Sunday, with potential for damaging winds and brief tornadoes.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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New Orleans woke up to patchy fog on Thursday morning, but the day is expected to turn partly sunny with a high near 70°F. However, the city is bracing for a stormy weekend, with a surface low expected to bring numerous showers and thunderstorms from late Saturday into early Sunday, potentially including strong, fast-moving storms capable of damaging straight-line winds and brief tornadoes.

Why it matters

New Orleans is no stranger to severe weather, and residents will need to stay vigilant and prepared for the potential of damaging storms over the weekend. The fog and warm temperatures earlier in the week set the stage for the incoming storm system, which could disrupt weekend plans and pose risks to public safety if the storms intensify as predicted.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for nearby Gulf waters through noon on Thursday, and patchy fog may still reduce visibility on roads and bridges during the early commute. By midday, skies are expected to turn partly sunny with highs near 70°F. Temperatures will stay mild through Friday, with highs again near 71°F and overnight lows in the upper 50s, and patchy fog could return late tonight into Friday morning. However, the main concern is the storm system expected to move in late Saturday, which could bring numerous showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for strong, fast-moving storms capable of damaging straight-line winds and brief tornadoes. Mariners should also be prepared for choppy seas and strengthening southeast winds Saturday into Sunday.

  • On Thursday morning, patchy fog was reported in the New Orleans area.
  • On Thursday afternoon, skies are expected to turn partly sunny with a high near 70°F.
  • On Friday, temperatures will stay mild with highs near 71°F and the potential for more patchy fog late at night.
  • Late Saturday into early Sunday, a surface low is expected to bring numerous showers and thunderstorms to the New Orleans area, with the potential for strong, fast-moving storms.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related advisories and warnings.

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What they’re saying

“Drivers are urged to stick with low-beam headlights, slow down to match conditions and be ready for delays where the fog really thickens.”

— National Weather Service (hoodline.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and issue any necessary watches or warnings as the weekend approaches. Residents should check for updates before heading out and be prepared to adjust weekend plans if the storms intensify as predicted.

The takeaway

New Orleans' residents are no strangers to severe weather, and this weekend's storm system serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared. The combination of fog, warm temperatures, and a potentially strong storm system could disrupt weekend plans and pose risks to public safety, underscoring the importance of heeding weather advisories and forecasts.