The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a heat advisory, warning that while not all locations will exceed a 108-degree heat index, most of the region will come close. It says some spots could reach around 112.
New Orleans city leaders announced available cooling centers and other resources ahead of expected extreme heat this weekend.
Excessive heat warnings could be issued Saturday through Wednesday of next week.
The National Weather Service says that daytime heat indices could feel like 115 degrees.
City officials urge residents to stay inside, cool down, drink water and know the symptoms of heat-related illness and when to seek medical care. Symptoms include:
- Muscle cramping
- Unusually heavy sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Nausea
The city of New Orleans is providing the following resources for residents who need help beating the heat:
Overnight relief for homeless people
- New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
- Salvation Army, 4526 S. Claiborne Ave.
New Orleans Recreation Development Commission services
All New Orleans Recreation Development Commission pools will be open Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for A.L. Davis, Harrell and Taylor. Stallings Gentilly and Federal City will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Due to post-summer maintenance needs, the following centers will be closed during the following periods:
Saturday, July 18 to Friday, July 24, 2026 — reopening Saturday, July 25, 2026.
- Gernon Brown Rec Center, 1001 Harrison Ave.
- Sanchez Rec Center, 1616 Fats Domino Ave.
- Stallings St. Claude Rec Center, 4300 St. Claude Ave.
Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 31, 2026 — reopening on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
- Joe W. Brown Rec Center, 5601 Read Blvd.
- Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Rec Center, 2529 General Meyer Ave.
- Lyons Rec Center, 624 Louisiana Ave.
- Rosenwald Rec Center, 1120 S. Broad St.
- St. Bernard Rec Center, 1500 Lafreniere St.
All other centers will be open for normal operating hours during this period.
Public libraries
The Children’s Resource Center, Nora Navra, Robert E. Smith and Rosa F. Keller libraries are closed due to Capital Projects and facilities maintenance.
Main Library will be closed only on Saturday, July 18.
All other library locations will be open Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All library locations will be closed Sunday, July 19, 2026, and open for normal operating hours Monday through Wednesday.
For the most up-to-date information on open hours, visit nolalibary.org.
Suspension of service disconnections
Entergy New Orleans does not disconnect on days that the NWS has issued a heat advisory, which is expected to last throughout the rest of this week. Residents can call 1-800-ENTERGY to report outages.
For more information and safety tips, visit ready.nola.gov. To receive up-to-date alerts, text “NOLAREADY” (one word) to 77295.
WDSU has reached out to New Orleans EMS about any heat-related calls it has responded to. Stay with WDSU for updates.
READ MORE:City of New Orleans announces overnight shelters for homeless people ahead of extreme heat
