Storms Likely This Weekend Ahead of Cold Front

Severe weather possible on Saturday, but Easter Sunday forecast improves

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an ominous, cloud-filled sky looming over a small town or rural setting, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of an approaching severe weather system.As a powerful storm system approaches, the natural world's raw, elemental power dwarfs the small human structures below.New Orleans Today

A cold front is expected to move through the New Orleans area this weekend, bringing an increased chance of storms and rain on Saturday and Saturday night. However, the forecast for Easter Sunday has improved, with mainly cloudy conditions expected instead of the earlier predictions of a wet day.

Why it matters

The incoming storms and cold front could impact outdoor Easter festivities and the Crescent City Classic running event on Saturday. The region has also been experiencing severe drought conditions, so the rainfall from the storms will be welcomed, though the severe weather threat needs to be monitored.

The details

The cold front will approach the region on Saturday, triggering the development of showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be strong to severe. Gusty winds, hail, and flooding are possible with the stronger storms. The rain and storm chances will increase through the day on Saturday and peak Saturday night as the front moves through. However, by Easter Sunday morning, the front will have pushed the wet weather offshore, leaving behind mainly cloudy skies for the holiday.

  • The Crescent City Classic running event is scheduled for Saturday morning.
  • Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop by around noon on Saturday.
  • The storm chances will increase through the afternoon and evening on Saturday.
  • The cold front and associated storms are expected to move through the area Saturday night.
  • By Easter Sunday morning, the wet weather will have moved out, leaving behind mainly cloudy skies.

The players

New Orleans

The largest city in Louisiana, located along the Mississippi River, which is expected to be impacted by the incoming storms and cold front this weekend.

Crescent City Classic

An annual 10K running event held in New Orleans that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, when the storm chances will be elevated.

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What they’re saying

“There is a level one marginal risk of severe weather as we go into tomorrow and tomorrow night, with those thunderstorms developing and that front coming through as well, gusty winds, flooding and some hail are all a possibility with some of those stronger storms.”

— Derek Sibley, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the developing storm system and provide updates on the potential for severe weather on Saturday. Residents should stay tuned to local forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if any severe thunderstorm warnings are issued.

The takeaway

This weekend's weather will be a mix of stormy conditions on Saturday giving way to a more pleasant, if cloudy, Easter Sunday. While the severe weather threat needs to be watched, the rainfall from the storms will be beneficial for the drought-stricken region.