Temperatures will stay at or below freezing for the vast majority of the weekend," but according to the Mardi Gras Guide's founder, don't expect the frigid conditions to stop any parades from rolling.
"I only remember twice (when) cold weather canceled parades," Arthur Hardy said, noting that in those two instances, in 1899 and 1958, it snowed. "So we can parade in cold. The question is: do we want to?"
Hardy says the answer to that question lies with the captains of the krewes that are scheduled to roll this weekend. According to Hardy, moving these parades to another date is out of the question.
"People talk about, well, just reschedule to next Saturday: you can't. Those floats (and) those bands are already committed to other groups," Hardy said. "I don't know of any contingency plans if we don't go this weekend. (People say) 'Ah, we can go any other time.' It's just not that easy.
Hardy krewe captains will take their riders' and revelers' safety into account before making a decision, adding that he doesn't believe local authorities will step in and cancel any parades.
For those who plan to brave the frigid air to attend one or more of the parades, Hardy has this advice.
"Well, avoid alcohol and dress warm," Hardy said. "It's just going to be cold. There's not doubt about it. Even the hardiest of paradegoers will have some tough decisions to make."