textproduct: New Orleans/Baton Rouge

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 624 PM CDT Tue Apr 14 2026

- Sun and temperature related health risks will be the primary concern with sunny skies and warm temperatures on tap through much of the week. Make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of water if you intend to be outside enjoying activities like sports and festivals.

- Light fog development remains possible each morning particularly near water bodies and inland Mississippi. Chances for higher coverage of moderate to dense fog exists Wednesday morning, but forecast confidence is low at this time.

SHORT TERM

(Now through Friday Night) Issued at 1245 PM CDT Tue Apr 14 2026

The short term pattern will be mostly driven by the H5 ridge over the eastern and central Gulf through the entire period. Eventually, the ridge does slide to the west a bit allowing for heights to increase over the CWFA from midweek through the end of the workweek. This will continue to promote not only a dry forecast, but a much warmer one as well as temperatures toward the end of the cycle will be much above average with some locations across interior sections of the region approaching 90F. Outside of temperatures, morning fog, especially across the interior Wednesday morning may become an issue. At this juncture it appears widespread visibilities north of I10/12 will be above dense fog thresholds...at least that is as of now. However, it wouldn't be impossible to need a short fused advisory if fog materializes a bit more dense. (Frye)

LONG TERM

(Saturday through Monday) Issued at 1245 PM CDT Tue Apr 14 2026

Going into the weekend eyes will turn to the northeast as a front and parent trough move east across the Red River Valley and eventually in the lower MS River Valley late Saturday and into Sunday morning. QPF signal among the globals and respective ensembles has been lackluster and continues to remain that way. Timing of the frontal passage looks rather close, especially considering the range. However, despite needing some rainfall across the region this frontal passage will not be very fruitful...at least as it stands now. The best chance of measurable rainfall will be along and west of the I55 corridor late Saturday and early Sunday. Otherwise, the upper ridge flattens out thanks to the parent upper level trough. This will lower heights and thicknesses and bring down temperatures slightly late week and early next week, to more average values. Otherwise, outside of cooler/drier air at the surface and a wind shift that's about it behind the frontal boundary. (Frye)

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 624 PM CDT Tue Apr 14 2026

Forecast terminals generally VFR at forecast issuance time, although KGPT had a brief period of BKN025 in the last hour. That could recur briefly before most of the daytime cumulus clouds dissipate. The evening hours should also primarily be VFR. MVFR ceilings may redevelop after 06z as has happened at several locations. The only IFR or lower conditions currently anticipated are likely to be visibilities at KMCB from about 10z to 13z. Any flight restrictions overnight will improve to VFR by 16z or earlier.

MARINE

Issued at 1245 PM CDT Tue Apr 14 2026

Strong surface high pressure from the northeast gulf into the Atlantic continues to produce a moderate easterly to southeasterly fetch over the northern Gulf. Winds will remain 10 to 15 kt throughout the week. Onshore flow will continue through at least Saturday with the potential for offshore flow from a cold front coming on Sunday and into early next week where more hazardous marine conditions may develop leading to cautionary headlines or even Small Craft Advisories. (Frye)

LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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