textproduct: New Orleans/Baton Rouge

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1029 AM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

- Warmer with daily shower and thunderstorm chances this week. Organized severe storms are not expected, but an isolated strong storm with heavy rain is possible. - HWinds will remain elevated for marine areas and may be in and out of caution levels for the next several days.

SHORT TERM

(This afternoon through Tuesday) Issued at 1029 AM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

Tonight through Wednesday night, a pattern of unsettled weather will set up over the area. Scattered thunderstorms will be expected daily through Wednesday, mainly during peak afternoon heating hours. These storms are not expected to be severe. Some lightning will be possible, especially between 3-6pm, with the lightning concern increasing as we go through the week.

Temperatures will be mild with highs in the low 80s and humid conditions all week. Lows will be in the upper 60s and low 70s as the week progresses. MSW

LONG TERM

(Tuesday night through Sunday) Issued at 1029 AM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

Thursday through the weekend, southwesterly flow will dominate the pattern. A couple of shortwaves will influence the area, with the first one being Thursday into Friday, enhancing rain chances. PW values will be increasing throughout the week with values around 1.4-1.6 inches, which is in the 90th percentile for SPC sounding climatology. So, there will be plenty of moisture to work with in the environment with decent CAPE. As the shortwave moves through, scattered storms will be expected with a few strong to severe storms possible. Though there are still a lot of uncertainties on the timing of this system, given it is still greater than 4-5 days out in time. More details will be known as we get closer to the weekend.

Another shortwave will be moving through the area Saturday night into Sunday. Rain chances will be enhanced as this system moves through as well. This system has a better chance of seeing strong to severe storms, but a lot of uncertainties remain in the models at this point.

Temperatures for the long range forecast will be generally in the mid 80s for highs, especially Saturday, with lows in the mid to upper 60s and low 70s. Sunday into Monday, we could see cooler temperatures behind the frontal system with highs forecast in the low to mid 70s Sunday and Monday. MSW

AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1029 AM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

MVFR conditions prevail at all area airports and will persist through the late evening hours due to low ceilings. Showers and storms are possible at some area airports this afternoon, especially near the coast, and TEMPO groups are in effect for the afternoon hours at HUM. MVFR conditions will persist through the forecast period. MSW

MARINE

Issued at 1029 AM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

Today through Wednesday, a persistent southeast wind of 10 to 15 knots and seas of 2 to 4 feet will be the rule across the waters as a broad surface high over the southeastern states dominates the region. The southeast winds will increase to 15 to 20 knots Thursday as a low pressure system passes well north of the waters.

LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

LA...None. GM...None. MS...None. GM...None.