You’d think a city famous for its swampy humidity and sweltering summers would give us a break in January. Honestly, New Orleans has other plans today. If you stepped outside this morning expecting that mild, coastal breeze, you probably scurried back inside for a heavier coat.
It is cold. Like, actually cold.
The what's the weather in new orleans today situation is essentially a battle between a bright, beautiful sun and a biting northwest wind that refuses to quit. We aren't talking about "New Orleans cold" where people put on a light hoodie at 60 degrees. We’re talking about real-deal, frost-on-the-windshield temperatures that have city officials opening up emergency shelters.
The Cold Hard Numbers for New Orleans Today
Basically, the high for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is struggling to hit 48°F.
That might sound manageable if you're from Chicago, but with the humidity sitting around 40% to 47% and those northwest winds gusting up to 13 mph (and sometimes hitting over 20 mph at the Lakefront), it feels significantly sharper. The air is dry for once, which is a weird sensation in a city that usually feels like a warm sponge.
Current Conditions at a Glance
Right now, as we move into the evening hours, the temperature is hovering around 43°F. The sky is completely clear, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. While it’s pretty to look at, that lack of cloud cover means all the heat from the day is escaping straight into space.
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By tonight, we’re looking at a low of 37°F.
Wait, it gets more interesting. Earlier this morning, some neighborhoods even saw a tiny bit of sleet or "frozen rain" mixed in with the early dampness. That's not a common Tuesday in the French Quarter. The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security (NOHSEP) has been all over this, monitoring the "feels like" temperatures which dipped toward freezing before the sun came up.
Why It Feels Colder Than the Thermometer Says
You've probably heard people complain that "damp cold" is worse than "dry cold." They aren't wrong. Even though the humidity is lower than our usual 90%, it's still high enough to make that wind cut right through a denim jacket.
The Wind Factor
The wind is coming from the northwest. In South Louisiana, that’s the direction of "no thank you." It’s bringing down air that hasn't had time to warm up over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Wind Speed: 13 mph sustained.
- Direction: Northwest.
- Impact: Expect wind chills to make that 48°F feel like it’s in the low 40s all afternoon.
If you’re heading to a parade or just walking to get some beignets, don't be fooled by the sun hitting the pavement. Stay in the sun, and you're okay. Step into the shadow of a building on Royal Street, and you'll feel that 10-degree drop instantly.
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Looking Ahead: Is a Freeze Coming?
People are panicking a bit about their pipes. It's a classic New Orleans tradition to wrap everything in foam and old towels the second the mercury drops below 40.
The good news? A hard freeze isn't expected today. The National Weather Service (NWS) hasn't issued any formal freeze warnings for the immediate city area for Sunday, though they are keeping a very close eye on Monday morning. Tomorrow, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, might actually be the one where we see some frost sticking around.
For today, the main concern is just staying warm and looking out for folks who don't have a steady place to stay. The city has activated the "Freeze Plan," meaning places like the New Orleans Mission and the Salvation Army on Claiborne are opening their doors for anyone needing to escape the 37-degree night.
What You Should Actually Do Today
Since the what's the weather in new orleans today is staying clear but chilly, it’s actually a great day for heavy gumbo or a hot chicory coffee. But there are a few practical things you should handle before the sun goes down and the temperature really craters.
Bring the pets inside. Seriously. If it's too cold for you to sit on the porch in a t-shirt for an hour, it's too cold for them.
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Check on your neighbors. The elderly and folks with older heating systems might need a hand. Space heaters are a major fire risk in these old wooden houses, so make sure nobody is leaving them unattended or—heaven forbid—using a stove to heat the kitchen.
Dress in layers. This isn't the day for your "fancy" thin coat. You need a base layer, a sweater, and something to block the wind.
Tomorrow looks a bit better with a high of 56°F, but we have to get through this 37-degree night first. Keep the blankets handy and maybe leave the taps at a tiny drip just to be safe, even if a hard freeze isn't officially on the cards yet. Better safe than dealing with a burst pipe in a 100-year-old raised center-hall cottage.
Quick Summary for the Big Easy
- High: 48°F (Sunny)
- Low: 37°F (Clear)
- Wind: NW at 13 mph
- Rain Chance: 0% (It’s dry out there!)
Enjoy the crisp air while it lasts, because you know as well as I do that by May, we’ll be begging for a breeze this cold.
Actionable Insights for New Orleans Residents:
- Protect People: Check on elderly relatives and neighbors to ensure their heating is working safely.
- Protect Pets: Bring all outdoor animals inside by 6:00 PM as temperatures begin their rapid evening drop.
- Fire Safety: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from curtains or bedding; never plug them into extension cords.
- Plan for Monday: If you have sensitive tropical plants, cover them tonight, as Monday morning's low may be even more aggressive than today's.