You’ve probably heard that New Orleans doesn't really have a winter. People imagine palm trees, humid nights, and maybe a light cardigan if things get "chilly."
Honestly? That’s only half the story.
If you are looking at the 7 day forecast in new orleans right now, you’re likely seeing a roller coaster that would make a seasoned meteorologist sweat. One day it’s 68 degrees and sunny, perfect for a Pimm’s Cup on a balcony. The next? You’re waking up to a freeze warning and wind chills that bite through denim like it’s tissue paper.
The Immediate Outlook: Bracing for the "Blue Norther"
Right now, the city is shaking off a cold front that just pushed through. If you're heading out today, Thursday, January 15, keep the coat handy. We're looking at a high of only 51°F. It’s sunny, sure, but that northwest wind at 12 mph makes the French Quarter feel more like Chicago than the Gulf Coast.
Tonight is going to be the real test for the tropical plants and the tourists who only packed shorts. Temperatures are expected to bottom out around 39°F. In some of the northern parishes, like near Covington or Mandeville, it’ll likely drop below freezing.
💡 You might also like: Clima en Las Vegas: Lo que nadie te dice sobre sobrevivir al desierto
Breaking Down the Next 7 Days
Weather in the Crescent City is never static. It’s a rhythmic dance between the warm, wet air from the Gulf of Mexico and the dry, freezing air diving down from Canada. Here is how the upcoming week is actually going to play out:
- Friday, Jan 16: A massive swing. We jump back up to a high of 68°F. It’ll be the nicest day of the week by far. If you have plans to walk Magazine Street or visit City Park, do it Friday. The humidity will start to creep back up, reaching about 57% by evening.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Gray and gloomy. A weak system is moving in, bringing a 45% chance of light rain overnight. The high drops back to 53°F. It’s that "damp cold" New Orleanians complain about—the kind that gets into your bones because of the high moisture content in the air.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Back to the bright stuff. Expect a high of 46°F under clear blue skies. It’s crisp. It’s the kind of weather where a bowl of gumbo actually makes sense.
- Monday & Tuesday (Jan 19-20): We stay cool. Highs will hover between 49°F and 56°F. Interestingly, there’s a tiny, weird chance of a wintry mix or "snow" (don't get excited, it's usually just icy sleet) late Monday night into Tuesday morning as another reinforcing shot of cold air hits.
What Most People Get Wrong About NOLA Weather
People see 45 degrees on a forecast and think, "Oh, that’s not bad, I’m from Minnesota."
Stop right there.
New Orleans cold is a different beast. Because the city is basically a bowl surrounded by water—Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Mississippi River snaking through—the humidity never really leaves. 40 degrees in New Orleans feels significantly colder than 40 degrees in a dry climate like Denver. The moisture conducts the heat away from your body faster. You’ll see locals in heavy parkas and beanies, and while it looks dramatic, they aren’t being "soft." They’re fighting the damp.
📖 Related: Cape of Good Hope: Why Most People Get the Geography All Wrong
The Science of the "Yo-Yo" Effect
Why is the 7 day forecast in new orleans so erratic? It’s all about the jet stream.
In January, the jet stream often dips deep into the South. According to recent briefings from the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans/Baton Rouge office, we are currently seeing "reinforcing cold fronts" every 48 to 72 hours. This creates a cycle:
- Warm Gulf air flows north (the "warm-up").
- A cold front crashes into that moisture (the rain/gray period).
- High pressure builds in behind the front (the "clear and cold" period).
This week is a textbook example of that cycle. We’re essentially seeing two distinct mini-winters in the span of seven days.
Tips for Surviving the Week
If you are visiting or just trying to plan your commute, don't trust the morning temperature to last until 5 PM.
👉 See also: 去罗纳德·里根华盛顿国家机场？这些事儿你可能还没搞明白
Layer like an onion. You need a base layer that breathes, a sweater or fleece, and a wind-blocking outer shell. If you’re out in the French Quarter, the wind tunnels created by the narrow streets can make the temperature feel 10 degrees cooler than what your phone says.
Watch the "Feels Like" temp. The actual air temperature is rarely the whole story here. Check the "Apparent Temperature" on your weather app. This takes into account the wind chill and the humidity. For Tuesday morning, January 20, the air might be 36°F, but it will feel like the upper 20s.
Don't forget the rain gear. Even when it’s not a "storm," the mist and drizzle on Saturday can ruin a leather jacket or suede shoes.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the local radar: Before heading to an outdoor event, check the KHDC (Hammond) or KMOB (Mobile) radar feeds. The NWS New Orleans site is the most reliable for this.
- Protect your pipes and plants: If you're a local, Monday night looks like the time to wrap those exposed pipes and bring in the tropicals.
- Plan indoor backups: For Saturday’s drizzly forecast, look into the National WWII Museum or the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) to stay dry.
The weather here is a mood. It’s temperamental, occasionally beautiful, and always keeps you guessing. Keep an eye on the sky, keep a scarf in your bag, and enjoy the gumbo—it tastes better when it’s cold anyway.