Looking back on recent calendars finds we have not seen temps below 32 at MSY for nearly 2 years. That will change next week as the coldest air in 4 years is predicted to plunge off the Gulf coast. Computer guidance is indicating mid teens North Shore by Tuesday AM with low to mid 20s South Shore. The record low at MSY for Jan. 7th is 23 degrees set in 1970. We could get close. Before the cold returns, we’ll see a big warm up that will allow everyone to prepare their house & gardens for the coming chill. I feel foolish telling people to wrap their pipes (Duh!) this late into Winter, but you can go buy inexpensive faucet covers that will help in preventing any plumbing problems. In addition, the same foam insulation for pipes can be placed around small citrus trees & plants along with various coverings on the plants you want to survive the chill.
In the short term, clouds should arrive before daybreak on Saturday signaling a return of milder air along with Gulf moisture. We’ll see temps rebound to 60+ on Saturday & maybe 70+ early Sunday. By late afternoon on Sunday, the front arrives with some showers and a 30-40+ degree drop in temps in a matter of hours. Freezing temps early Monday AM will feel even colder with North winds of 20-30+. Highs will stay in the 30s with the coldest morning coming on Tuesday. FYI…we are nearing the halfway point of “meteorological winter” !
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