Cold Front Coming – How Much Rain Could Louisiana Get?

(KMDL-FM)  The National Weather Service says Louisiana's "dry spell" could come to an end this weekend with a threat of showers and thunderstorms. The catalyst that is bringing the threat of rain to the state is a cold front. The two big questions for residents of Louisiana in regards to that front are, how much rain will we get, and is it finally going to get cold across the Gulf South?

That's the current weather map from the National Weather Service, and yes, NWS is allowed to update its data despite the government shutdown. On that map, you can see a complex of low-pressure systems over the Intermountain West; those systems are expected to combine with a cold front that is expected to move into Louisiana this weekend.

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The hope for many across the state is that the frontal system will bring some much-needed rainfall. Louisiana, like a lot of the Gulf South, has been very dry over the past several weeks. This has prompted burn bans and fire concerns across many parishes.

The concern over fire dangers will be at its highest today as relative humidity levels will be very low across the state. By tomorrow, southerly breezes should bring in a little more moisture, raising humidity levels for Thursday and Friday.

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How Much Rain Will Louisiana Get This Weekend?

Unfortunately for Louisiana residents with plans this weekend, the arrival of the cold front and the potential for showers and thunderstorms looks to be sometime during the day on Saturday. With most forecast models suggesting a better threat of showers later in the day on Saturday, extending into the evening hours and Sunday morning.

As you can see in the graphic provided by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles, rain chances don't really move into the state until Saturday, and even then, the chances for a shower are between 40% and 50%. As of now, it doesn't look as if the weekend will be a washout, but you should plan on having a "rain plan" just in case.

How Cold Will It Be in Louisiana This Weekend?

Temperatures across the region once the frontal system passes will be cooler, but this won't be our first "frosty" cold front, where you can see your breath and there is frost on your windshield. We probably won't see that cold front until Halloween, or maybe just before Halloween.

The long-range forecasts aren't showing a lot of agreement. That means a lot of uncertainty, but don't worry, you'll get your chance to put on your cozy clothes soon enough.