Arctic Blast Forecasted to Hit New Orleans This Week
NEW ORLEANS, La. — A Cold Weather Advisory will be in effect in the New Orleans area from midnight Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday as temperatures are predicted to plummet below freezing. Following a warm February, a cold air mass will settle into the region after a low pressure system brought widespread rain overnight.
According to meteorologists, temperatures Wednesday night will dive into the low to mid-20s inland and upper 20s to low 30s along the coast. Forecasters are warning of wind chills that may feel as cold as 9 degrees in some regions.
The National Weather Service has already warned residents that frostbite and hypothermia are serious risks if unprotected skin is exposed to these frigid temperatures. The threat of frozen pipes also looms as persistent subfreezing temperatures are expected.
A weather alert from WDSU First Warning Weather stated, “Temperatures will feel as low as 8 degrees tonight. Wind chills are a major concern, with conditions making it feel much colder than the thermometer reads.” Highs on Thursday may only reach the mid-40s, starkly contrasting with the averages typically expected in February.
“The core of this Arctic cold is just now beginning to settle in,” said a meteorologist during a recent broadcast. “Prepare by bundling up in coats, scarves, and gloves.”
The advisory also extends into Friday morning, with expectations for temperatures to mirror Thursday’s chill and highs remaining in the low 50s. On the Northshore, some areas could see temperatures drop as low as 20 degrees, approaching a record low of 31 degrees recorded in 1978.
Residents are reminded to stay indoors if possible and to limit exposure to the frigid air. Various safety measures, such as insulating pipes and preparing home heating systems, are being encouraged to combat the extreme cold.
“We’re monitoring our heating and making sure we have extra blankets ready,” said local resident Mia Thompson. “The last thing we need is for our pipes to freeze.”
In addition, windy conditions will continue, exacerbating the cold. The gusty winds could create wind chill factors that push the temperatures down into the teens, and possibly even lower, creating an uncomfortable and dangerous environment for those who must be outdoors.
Friday will see a continuation of the cold, with some minor improvements expected over the weekend. Despite the chilly conditions to start the weekend, temperatures are forecast to trend warmer as the week progresses.
<p“While it’s going to be a cold couple of days, we are looking forward to a warming trend next week,” said the meteorologist. “The cold will give way to normal temperatures as we head into the latter part of February. But until then, everyone should take the necessary precautions.”
