News Summary

As New Orleans prepares for Mardi Gras, strong storms are forecasted that may impact the celebrations. While Monday looks delightful, Mardi Gras Day is expected to bring high winds and intense rain, prompting safety precautions for participants and parade organizers. Travelers are advised to stay updated on weather conditions as severe weather could complicate travel, especially for larger vehicles. Despite the ominous forecast, the spirit of celebration remains high among revelers.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans Faces a Stormy Forecast

As the Carnival season wraps up, New Orleans is gearing up for what many consider one of the most beloved celebrations of the year—Mardi Gras. But this year, parade floats and revelers might need to keep an eye on the sky as strong storms are forecasted to sweep through the city, potentially dampening the festivities.

Weather Outlook Before the Celebrations

Ahead of Mardi Gras, Monday is shaping up to be a picture-perfect day. With temperatures hovering in the mid-70s and a hint of humidity in the air, the atmosphere will be delightful for morning and afternoon activities. However, as evening falls, temperatures for the parades will dip into the cozy 60s, making it a lovely night for those out celebrating.

Stormy Forecast for Mardi Gras Day

But don’t put those umbrellas away just yet! As we look ahead to Mardi Gras on Tuesday, weather experts are predicting strong southerly winds that could reach 30-40 mph, with gusts peaking at a staggering 60 mph. This situation has prompted a High Wind Watch for the entire day, casting a shadow over the anticipated festivities.

Afternoon showers and storms are expected to intensify as the day progresses, with the main line of severe weather forecasted to sweep through New Orleans smack dab around 4 pm. In fact, you might want to brace yourselves, as storms are likely to hit the metro area between 5 pm and 8 pm, with hopes of clearing out by midnight.

Potential Dangers on the Horizon

The looming storm isn’t just a drizzle—it comes with some serious concerns. With the possibility of damaging winds, tornadoes, and hail, safety becomes a priority for both organizers and participants. While flooding is always a concern during heavy rains, it’s not the biggest worry this time, as we could see about 1-2 inches of rain, which might cause a bit of street ponding but no major deluge.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Mardi Gras event organizers are encouraging everyone to bring rain gear to remain dry, especially since early rain showers could arrive ahead of the stormy weather. Most of the parades are still expected to go on as planned unless there are major changes in the storm’s timing. So don’t lose hope yet!

Travel Concerns with High Winds

Travel conditions could become tricky, especially for larger vehicles and high-profile objects like Mardi Gras floats, which may become unstable due to these fierce winds. Following weather updates is crucial if you’re planning on hitting the road.

Looking Back in History

In case you’re wondering how this Mardi Gras compares to those of the past, history tells us a few interesting tales. The rainiest Mardi Gras recorded was in 1927, where a whopping 2.12 inches fell, while 1989 gave New Orleans its coldest celebration day, with temperatures plummeting to a chilly 22 degrees.

Post-Mardi Gras Forecast

Excitingly, once the cold front passes through New Orleans, the weather on Ash Wednesday looks positively inviting, with highs climbing back up to around 70 degrees. Perfect weather for the cleanup crews getting ready for the first day of Lent!

Final Thoughts

So while the weather may bring some twists and turns to the Mardi Gras festivities this year, many are counting on the spirit of celebration to shine through the clouds. Keep your spirits high, dress for the weather, and let the good times roll, no matter what!