Cold Snap for Acadiana to Start Workweek

A line of strong and severe thunderstorms rumbled through the heart of Acadiana last night shortly after 7 pm. The line of storms, some of which included severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings, was kicked off by a strong cold front that has now pushed through the area. Behind the front, gust northerly winds and colder temperatures are awaiting your first steps out the front door this morning.

How strong are those winds? Well, there is a wind advisory posted for all of southwest Louisiana this morning. Sustained winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour will not be uncommon. There could be gusts up to 35 miles per hour as well. Operators of high profile vehicles are urged to drive with extra caution this morning.

While the winds might make the temperatures feel colder than it really is, we are not expecting any below freezing temperatures, or freeze watches or warnings, to be posted for the area over the next few days. However, the gusty winds, especially today, will make you wish for the cold weather gear anytime you happen to be outside.

The temperatures will begin to moderate toward the middle of the week and we will see a return to more seasonable conditions. Then another cold front will move through the area during the dark hours of late Tuesday into Wednesday. This front will kick off some more showers but we don't think this system will usher in any extreme cold weather.

In fact, after we get rid of today and tomorrow's chill the next chill down won't come until the weekend when yet another frontal system will drop temperatures from the middle 60s into the middle 50s for daytime highs. That system will also bring a decent threat of showers.

The long-range forecast for the next 10 to 14 days calls for a roller coaster ride of cold fronts, cooler temperatures, then warm temperatures, then more cold fronts. This will be the case through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Those who are planning a getaway for the holiday should not have any issue getting away before Christmas Eve.

A cold front accompanied by showers and thundershowers is expected to move through South Louisiana during the late hours of Christmas Day. However, much of the rain, at least if the forecast holds, will be confined to the dark hours of Christmas Day and the day after.  Of course, long-range forecasts are subject to change and this one will so check back with us often for the latest in holiday travel weather.

At least today and tomorrow look as if they will be great for gumbo. But then again, any day is a great day for gumbo.