Mardi Gras Weather and Cancellations Ahead of Parades

As thousands of revelers descend upon New Orleans for Mardi Gras, severe weather threats loom over the city, prompting safety concerns, a major parade cancellation and last-minute adjustments.

A powerful storm system moving through the Gulf Coast is bringing heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for tornadoes, forcing some revelers to reconsider their plans for Fat Tuesday.

The annual celebration, which draws visitors from around the world, is not just a cultural event, but a major economic driver for Louisiana. However, with strong winds and the potential for thunderstorms in the forecast, both parade-goers and organizers are facing uncertainty.

Here’s what to know about the latest Mardi Gras weather forecast and which parades have been affected.

Mardi Gras 2025 Weather

Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are set to proceed, but strong winds and scattered storms could impact the festivities. A storm system moving through the Gulf Coast is expected to bring gusty winds, possible thunderstorms and isolated severe weather to the area.

A High Wind Watch is in effect for Mardi Gras, with sustained winds of 30-40 mph and gusts reaching up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected ahead of a cold front that’s expected to move through the region later on. Some parades may still roll in the morning and afternoon before the most severe weather arrives, according to Fox 8 Live.

Much of Tuesday morning could remain dry, but windy, with increasing chances of showers in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to rise to above 70 degrees Fahrenheit before storms become more widespread, the Weather Channel reported.

A few scattered showers and storms are possible in the early afternoon, but the severe weather is expected to reach New Orleans between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with heavy rain and strong winds persisting into the evening. The system is forecast to move out of southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi by midnight, Fox 8 Live said.

The highest chance for severe weather, including strong thunderstorms and possible tornadoes, will be from the afternoon into the overnight hours.

Mardi Gras Cancellations and Economic Impact

The severe weather has already led to parade cancellations, with some krewes opting to prioritize safety over tradition. One of the largest parades affected is the Krewe of Argus, which was set to roll through Metairie on Mardi Gras Day, but has been called off due to the approaching storms.

The parade usually attracts an audience size of around a million people, according to the Jefferson Parish website.

As of Sunday night, no rescheduled date has been announced for the Krewe of Argus. The parade was originally set to roll at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Mardi Gras is a major economic driver for New Orleans. According to the 2023 Mardi Gras Economic Impact Study conducted by Tulane University Professor Toni Weiss, the festival had a total direct and indirect economic impact of $891 million, accounting for 3.07% of New Orleans’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The study, commissioned by the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Council (MMGAC) and New Orleans & Company, reported that the City of New Orleans received a net fiscal benefit of $28 million from staging the event, with a return of $2.64 for every $1 spent.

The economic impact extends beyond New Orleans, benefiting Louisiana as a whole. The state collected an additional $14 million in tax revenue from Mardi Gras-related spending within the city.

Professor Weiss, who has conducted multiple studies on Mardi Gras since 2009, emphasized the deep and widespread economic benefits of the event.

“While my report found the positive economic impacts of Mardi Gras for New Orleans are substantial and far-reaching, my strong sense is that the actual impacts of this internationally renowned celebration are even greater than can be accurately measured,” Weiss said.

The heightened storm activity is part of a larger system that has spawned tornadoes across parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi in recent days. The National Weather Service confirmed that multiple tornadoes touched down in the South over the weekend, causing property damage and power outages in some areas.

Residents should monitor emergency updates, secure outdoor items and have contingency plans in case of severe weather or flooding. The City of New Orleans’ emergency preparedness website, NOLA Ready, has been providing updates on public safety measures ahead of the celebrations.