Cold Air Geeks, Booyah, Snow Geeks Pooyah...

The cold air is coming in waves for the next 7-10 days, but it is coming.  Unfortunately for you snow lovers, none of the models have us cold enough for the white stuff here despite the fact we will see several Gulf lows throw moisture back up into the cold air.

The source region for the cold up in Canada has moderated, but it's still well below zero across the northern Rockies & Plains.  Look at the sharp temperature divide between us and Houston.   You'll need the heady weather gear for the next 7-10 days.

We have 2 opportunities for snow coming next week.  the first is Monday night with the second late on Wednesday.  Models have us in a cold rain, but it wouldn't take much for us to get into some sleet or snow.

The main storm track comes into the West coast before dipping into Mexico and then into the Gulf.  One thing for sure, we will not see any extended period of sunshine for perhaps the next week.  This will be easily the coldest stretch of weather here in the past 2 years.  I had one freeze last Winter at my house (MSY reported 34), but we could see mid to upper 20s on the South Shore for early next week.

This is some serious cold and we will likely need to address our pipe rule for next week.  In the short term, the heaviest rainfall has passed and NWS is indicated the big totals will stay down over the Gulf and to our east for the next 2-3 days.  Today's totals were generally 2-3" causing some brief street flooding.

I didn't need to do it today, but I hate to be out in the cold.  This afternoon I moved most of my potted plants into my He-Shed.  

As you can see, I have a 100 watt bulb ready to use in case we get as cold as predicted.  The bottom picture tells you why I don't want to lose some of my plants.  With our recent mild weather, they're blooming like crazy.  Haven't moved my Crown of Thorns yet since that will require some extra effort due to its size.   Stay tuned!