North Shore Freeze Coming...

Looking back at February, the preliminary numbers indicate that it was the 2nd warmest February at MSY since records began back in 1947.   February for the last 3 years rank as the 3 warmest ever!  However, despite entering Meteorological Spring today, we still can see freezing temperatures well into late March & early April.   Our current warm stretch will continue into Sunday with highs 75-80 and only a slight chance for some brief passing showers.  Saturday's parades (Hail Endymion!) should have the best weather before an Arctic cold front will plow through sometime on Sunday afternoon requiring a change back to Winter weather gear.   There could be some strong storms on Sunday with the greatest threat staying north of Lake P.  Best rain chances on Sunday appear to be between 2 PM & 6 PM.  Bacchus Sunday night may see some lingering showers, but the main issue will be falling temps from the 70s into the 40s by 10 PM.  Add in strong north winds and it will feel very uncomfortable to be outside.  Monday & Tuesday looks dry but much colder with highs struggling to get out of the 40s into the lower 50s at best.   The colder morning should be Wednesday where the North Shore could dip into the upper 20 with mid to upper 30s south of Lake P.   I will probably haul my Crown of Thorn plants back into my shed along with some other potted plants that will suffer from the shock of the wind and cold air next week.   All in all, Mardi Gras will be a pretty day...IF YOU ARE DRESSED FOR IT!

Tonight I wish my long time friend Carl Arredondo a great second career as an ambassador for the vision impaired.  Carl retires tonight after 28 years with Ch. 4.   I applaud him for taking his health issues public in an effort to assist other with similar conditions.   He, like me, has chosen to make NOLA our home in retirement.  Good luck Carl !

The number of Bays now opened on the Spillway has reached 108, over halfway to the total of 200 the Corps expects will be needed.   The Ohio River is cresting at Paducah with the Mississippi River cresting at Cairo.  It will take at least 2 weeks for the river to crest here.  The predicted crest is supposed to stay under 17 feet on March 13th.  With more heavy rains coming farther to our north, the Corps could always increase the number of bays to open.  Stay tuned!