NEW ORLEANS, La. — The long dry spell over New Orleans, La., is set to stretch through most of the week, keeping skies bright and afternoons warm while raising the risk that a stray spark could start a brush fire.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for a partly sunny Monday with a high near 75 and a northeast breeze around 10 mph. Tuesday through Friday look mostly sunny to sunny, with daytime highs in the upper 70s and overnight lows near 60 to 65.
High pressure parked over the region is the reason for the quiet pattern. Mornings stay cool enough for a light layer, especially on the Northshore, where lows dipped into the low 50s over the weekend while the Southshore stayed closer to 60.
The lack of rain is the bigger concern. Grass and brush across southeast Louisiana have dried out, and when low humidity combines with a steady breeze, any fire can spread fast. Residents cooking outdoors should check for local burn bans and keep an eye on grills until they cool.
On the water, gusty east winds have churned up rough conditions, and small craft advisories covered most coastal waters into Monday morning, with an extension possible.
Rain chances come back just in time for trick-or-treating. The forecast for Saturday, Halloween, brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., with a high near 81. Storm chances linger into Saturday evening before tapering off overnight, and a few early showers are possible Sunday.
Forecasters do not expect any tropical development in the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf for at least the next week.
Filed under: New Orleans LA Weather News
