If you’ve already broken out the heavy coat, don’t put it away just yet. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim says the New Orleans metro area is facing a prolonged stretch of cold weather, with no quick warm-up in sight.
High temperatures today and tomorrow will struggle to reach the 40s, and overnight lows will dip even lower, especially on the Northshore, where temperatures could fall into the teens.
“If you haven’t already, now is the time to protect people, plants, and pets,” Keim said. “This isn’t a one-day cold snap , it’s a pattern.”
Keim says Northshore communities face an increased risk of freezing conditions, while the Southshore remains cold but largely dry. Either way, residents should prepare for several days of winter-like weather.
“Our highs are limited, and mornings will be especially cold,” Keim said. “This cold weather continues through the weekend and possibly into next week.”
While Louisiana winters are often mild, Keim says extended cold snaps are not unusual and preparation is key.
“Break out the parkas, hats, scarves, and gloves,” he said. “This snap is going to take a while.”
For now, the advice is simple: bundle up, plan ahead, and keep cold-weather precautions in place until temperatures finally rebound.