Fog Season Issues, Cold Front Coming, Not That Cold

When I arrived here back in April 1978, I was told by the late Dave Barnes (then meteorologist-in-charge of NWS Slidell) that once the waters of Lake Pontchartrain get below 60 degrees, expect fog season to start.  It typically lasts through early April so we are just beginning to see the dangerous issues it causes.  I was out fishing yesterday (limits both days!) at Shell Beach and saw the fog bank to the north.  We were perfectly clear, but once into the bank, visibilities drop to near zero.  Drivers HAVE to reduce their speed, or we'll see more multiple car pile-ups, especially when the fog is patchy.  Look at today. The top view is from 8:30 AM followed by 10:30 AM.

When fog is widespread, all drivers will slow down.  However, when it's patchy, that's when it's most dangerous.  Fortunately, we have a cold front that will sweep the fog away for the next several days.

There is a narrow band of showers with the front that should arrive after midnight for most of us.  Sunshine will return on Thursday, but you'll notice a different feel to the air.  It'll be cooler, but not cold.

Between now and midnight, some dense fog could develop.   Once the front arrives, the drier air will filter in and we'll need sweaters and jackets again.   A secondary surge of cold air arrives on Friday, but the core of the cold will stay well to our north and east.  That's because the dip in the jet stream will be more over the Great Lakes and not down to the Gulf Coast.

There's still plenty of below-zero Arctic cold over Canada, but the core of the cold will aim towards the Great Lakes & Northeast.  Look for another snow event from lake effect snows.  The FOX 8 Seven Day has delayed the arrival of the cold until Friday night into Saturday.

I am not as aggressive with the next cool down and believe it might not be any worse than last week's chill.  I'm not fooling with moving any of my plants into my He-Shed yet.  We have another day to look at it.  Finally, as we approach the shortest day of the year with a very low sun angle, my garden is not as colorful, except in my front yard. My azaleas are blooming along with my bougainvillea.

I still have a potted top hat begonia that looks great and the flowering cactus appear to be happy! Flowers make me smile, but I know sooner or later, the freeze is coming.  I don't see it with this front for us south of the Lake.  Stay tuned!