Historic Weather Event Possible in Louisiana on Christmas

(KMDL-FM) A few weeks back, we offered for your perusal a long-range look at the National Weather Service forecast for what weather conditions in South Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast would be for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Now that those days are just hours instead of weeks away, we can tell you that what we might experience along I-10 in Louisiana could be historic, to say the least.

Staff Photo

But before we get to the outlook for Wednesday and Thursday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there is some pressing weather information you should be aware of. A dense fog advisory has been posted for almost all of Louisiana south of US 190. This does include Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

How Bad is the Fog in Louisiana This Morning?

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say visibilities of less than one-quarter of a mile will be common around sunrise this morning. The dense fog advisory will be in effect through 9 this morning. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time for travel, use their low-beam headlights, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

The reason our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day forecasts could be "historic" has a lot less to do with winter weather and more to do with unseasonable springlike conditions. This graphic from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles explains things very well.

weather.gov/lch

Who knew that it had been 80 degrees or warmer in South Louisiana on Christmas Day? Evidently, the Weather Service did, and they are stopping just short of saying we will hit those records this week, but we could certainly come close.

As far as getting outside on Christmas Day to play with your toys and gifts, there should be no issue as far as the weather forecast is concerned. There is no risk of rain, other than a slight risk of showers today, Monday.

The outlook for the rest of Christmas week into Christmas Day should be very conducive for everything except wearing warm sweaters and drinking hot chocolate. You're going to need an air conditioner if you want to celebrate Christmas that way.

weather.gov/lch

When Will It Get Cold Again in Louisiana?

Based on long-range forecasts and models, it doesn't appear that Louisiana will be treated to winter weather anytime soon. In fact, the current muggy and warm forecast is expected to stay with us through at least New Year's Day, then a cold front will swing through and cool us back to seasonable norms.

Rain chances will also be diminished for the next several days. After today's slight risk of showers ends, it looks as if the next threat for any measurable precipitation would be on January 1st. And as of now, that looks more like a minimal rain event as opposed to a soaking rain event.