Timing the Tumbling Temperatures – Acadiana’s ‘First’ Cold Front Arrives Friday

(KMDL-FM) Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the "first" cold front of the fall season will arrive in Louisiana on Friday. As the front passes across the state, the threat of rain won't be that high, but the promise of cooler temperatures will be. Here is when you can expect the temperatures to start falling and the winds to start picking up where you live.

If there is a downside to the approaching weather system, it would be the lack of moisture. I realize with the International Rice Festival going on in Crowley, rain is the last thing the festival needs, but a few drops of moisture for the rest of the week would be appreciated. This weather system won't provide that. And the fire danger is real.

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Today and Thursday, forecasters say we can expect more of the status quo. In other words, expect plenty of sunshine, with temperatures near 90 degrees in the afternoon and about 70, or maybe a little below, overnight and in the early morning hours.

When Will Temperatures Start to Fall Across Louisiana?

The changes begin in northwestern Louisiana late Thursday night. The cold front will move into the Shreveport/Bossier City area after dark, and the winds will swing around to the north and temperatures on Friday should only warm to about 80.

The frontal system will progress through the overnight hours, pushing across the I-10 corridor later in the day on Friday. You will certainly notice when the front has passed through the area because the winds will become rather blustery.

READ MORE: Best Spots for Patio Dining in Acadiana This Fall

For Friday night football games across South Louisiana, temperatures could cool from the 90s into the upper 50s and the wind will be howling out of the north at 15 to 20 mph. That could make many fans in the stands uncomfortable if a light jacket or long sleeves aren't included in the game day ensemble.

What Is the Football Forecast for Saturday Afternoon in Louisiana?

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Speaking of game day, the college football game in Natchitoches between McNeese State and Northwestern State and the LSU Homecoming game against Mississippi State in Baton Rouge should be played under beautiful blue skies, temperatures in the mid-70s, but with enough of a breeze to make every long pass an adventure.

READ MORE: So, We Are Falling Back With The Clocks Again - Here's When

Don't get too used to the cooler temperatures, though; we'll be back in the heat and humidity to start the workweek on Monday. Rain chances will remain sparse, and we might not have another significant threat of rain in the area until almost Halloween.