Gusty Morning Soaker Sets Stage for Warm, Sunny Comeback in New Orleans

Showers and thunderstorms likely this morning with small craft advisories through Monday, but drier, warmer weather returns midweek.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:06pm

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New Orleans is waking up to cloudy skies, a sharp northeast breeze, and temperatures near 61°F, with showers and thunderstorms likely during the pre-noon commute. The soggy start should taper off around midday as the front finally slips offshore and the worst of the wet weather moves out. Forecasters have issued Small Craft Advisories for coastal waters through Monday evening due to northerly winds building to 20 to 25 knots.

Why it matters

The combination of showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds could make for a blustery morning commute in New Orleans, with the potential for scattered downpours and sudden gusts that can impact high-profile vehicles. However, the unsettled weather is expected to give way to drier and warmer conditions by midweek, providing a welcome respite for residents and outdoor enthusiasts.

The details

Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11 a.m., with a high near 71°F and northeast winds around 15 mph that could gust up to 35 mph. Small Craft Advisories remain posted for the coastal waters through Monday evening, as northerly winds build to 20 to 25 knots, or about 23 to 29 mph. Behind the front, drier and slightly cooler air is expected on Monday, bringing mostly sunny skies and highs near 75°F. By midweek, the warmth is back, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the low 80s by Thursday as a ridge settles in over the region.

  • Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 a.m. on April 19.
  • Small Craft Advisories posted for coastal waters through Monday evening.
  • Drier and slightly cooler air expected on Monday, April 20.
  • Warmer temperatures, with highs in the low 80s, return by Thursday, April 23.

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

“Small-boat operators are urged to hold off on any trip that is not absolutely necessary and to stay tuned to short-term marine forecasts, while drivers should be ready for sudden gusts that can shove around high-profile vehicles.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

Forecasters flag a slight chance of showers returning by Friday night and into the weekend as subtropical energy nudges in from the south.

The takeaway

The unsettled weather pattern in New Orleans is expected to be short-lived, with drier and warmer conditions returning by midweek. This will provide a welcome respite for residents and allow for better planning of outdoor activities, though the potential for isolated showers later in the week should still be monitored.