Mix of Sunny and Clouds for Saturday Morning with Rainy Evening

Scattered showers and storms expected to move in by evening in New Orleans area.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:55am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a stormy sky with heavy, dramatic clouds casting deep shadows over a desolate, windswept field or coastline, conveying the sublime power of nature.An ominous storm system looms over the New Orleans region, foreshadowing the changing weather conditions that could impact outdoor events and activities.New Orleans Today

The weather in New Orleans and southern Mississippi is expected to start off with cloud coverage and a few sprinkles in the morning, but conditions will deteriorate by the evening with scattered showers and storms moving in and becoming widespread by 11 p.m. Winds will also pick up, going from calm in the morning to breezy in the evening and gusty by Sunday morning.

Why it matters

The changing weather conditions could impact outdoor events and activities in the New Orleans area, including the French Quarter Festival which is scheduled to run from morning through the evening.

The details

According to the FUTURECAST forecast, the early part of Saturday will see cloud coverage across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, with a few sprinkles possible through the afternoon. However, by 6 p.m., scattered showers and a few storms will start to move in, becoming widespread by 11 p.m. This could affect plans for the French Quarter Festival, which is scheduled to run from morning to 8 p.m. Winds will also pick up, going from calm in the morning to breezy in the evening and gusty by Sunday morning.

  • Early Saturday morning, cloud coverage across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi with a few sprinkles possible.
  • By 6 p.m. Saturday, scattered showers and a few storms will start to move in.
  • By 11 p.m. Saturday, the showers and storms will become widespread.

The players

WGNO

A local television news station serving the New Orleans area.

French Quarter Festival

An annual music and arts festival held in New Orleans' French Quarter neighborhood.

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The takeaway

The changing weather conditions on Saturday in the New Orleans area could impact outdoor events and activities, including the popular French Quarter Festival. Residents and visitors should monitor the forecast and be prepared for the possibility of rain and gusty winds as the day progresses.