January 17, 2026 | From City of New Orleans
Cold Weather Expected Overnight as City Monitors Conditions and Expands Shelter Access
NEW ORLEANS —The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), in partnership with the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) and the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy (OHSS), is monitoring cold weather conditions overnight on Saturday, January 17, 2026. During the early morning hours on Sunday, January 18, 2026, “feels like” temperatures are forecast to dip to near freezing for a few hours, with the potential for light rain or brief sleet.
City agencies are coordinating closely with the National Weather Service (NWS). The Office of Homeless Services and Strategy is expanding shelter capacity and conducting outreach to unhoused residents to ensure they are aware of available overnight shelter resources.
At this time, no watches or warnings are anticipated, and a hard freeze is not expected in New Orleans. However, residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect people and pets during the early morning hours on Sunday when colder temperatures are expected.
Shelter for Unhoused Individuals
If someone is in need of shelter overnight on Saturday, January 17, 2026, please call the city’s non-emergency line at 3-1-1.
Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations:
- New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., starting at 4:30 p.m.
- The Salvation Army, 4526 S. Claiborne Ave., starting at 4:30 p.m.
- Low Barrier Shelter, 1530 Gravier St., starting at 4:30 p.m.
Cold Weather Preparedness
Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect people and pets during cold weather, using these tips:
STAY WARM
- Stay inside in heat during extreme cold.
- If you go outside, wear layers, a hat, and gloves, and carry a cell phone.
- Check on neighbors, children, the elderly, and the chronically ill to make sure they are okay.
- Bring pets inside.
PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY & PREPARE YOUR HOME
- Never leave space heaters unattended.
- Never use a stove or an oven to heat your home.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working.
- Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for NOLA Ready emergency text alerts by texting “NOLAREADY” to 77295. More information about winter weather is available at https://ready.nola.gov/winter.