Louisiana Storm Threat – What Mardi Gras Parades Affected

(KMDL-FM) The weekend just concluded across Louisiana brought bitter cold conditions to much of the state, just as the previous weekend's winter storm did. The difference was a lack of ice, snow, and frozen precipitation. That stayed away this time but was certainly felt across the northern regions of the state during the final full weekend in January.

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The inclement weather from this past weekend postponed and outright canceled more than a few Mardi Gras celebrations across Louisiana. Fortunately for Mardi Gras revelers, there are still a couple of big parade weekends left and, of course, the actual run-up to Fat Tuesday.

How Will Stormy Weather Affect Louisiana Mardi Gras Events This Week?

And since most Mardi Gras parades are outdoor activities, we do have to consider what Mother Nature has planned as we make our plans to set up in our traditional spots along the parade routes. As far as the weather is concerned, we have some good news and some not-so-good news.

You've probably picked up on the "Bitter Cold Arctic Air Ending," and yes, that would be the good news. The not-so-good news is the second picture panel in that graphic provided by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles.

Forecasters are predicting another cold front to pass through Louisiana on Tuesday. The current thinking is that the storm system will bring heavy rain and some thunderstorms to the area, but mainly on Tuesday night, while we are home sleeping.

The current guidance from the Storm Prediction Center and the Weather Prediction Center suggests no severe storms, nor will there be flooding rains associated with this system as it moves in late in the day on Tuesday and out of the area by early in the day on Wednesday.

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As you might expect, temperatures will be cooler once the cold front passes through Louisiana. However, they are expected to moderate quickly as we move toward the event-filled weekend. As it sits now, the parade forecast for Louisiana, South Louisiana in particular, looks to be very good for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday events.

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How Cold Will It Be For Mardi Gras Parades This Weekend?

The forecast high temperature on both Saturday and Sunday is expected to be near 70 degrees. Nighttime events will be much cooler on Friday and Saturday evening as temperatures will be in the 40s to near 50 while most of the parades are rolling.

Perhaps the best part of the forecast is no mention of rain and no threat of windy conditions. Which makes for an overall better parade experience for those who are riding and those who are reveling.

Where Can I Get a Weather Forecast for Mardi Gras Events in Louisiana?

The National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles has added this feature to its website during the run-up to Mardi Gras. You may now get pinpoint forecasts for specific Mardi Gras events, just by following the links. The events are broken down by date, and the forecast materials populate automatically.

Friday, February 6, 2026

Krewe De Canailles (Walking Parade) - Lafayette, LA - 7:00 PM - Click for Event Forecast

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Courir de Mardi Gras de L'anse -  Mermentau Cove, LA.  Click for Event Forecast

Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and Cookoff 2 pm -  Click for Event Forecast

Lake Arthur Mardi Gras - Lake Arthur, LA - 8:00 AM - Click for Event Forecast

Scott Mardi Gras Parade - Scott, LA - 11:00 AM - Click for Event Forecast

Krewe Des Chiens (Dog Parade) - Lafayette, LA - 12:00 PM - Click for Event Forecast

Lebeau Mardi Gras Festival - Lebeau, LA - 1:00 PM - Click for Event Forecast

Krewe of Carnivale en Rio - Lafayette, LA - 6:30 PM - Click for Event Forecast

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade & Zydeco Dance -  1:00 PM  Click for Event Forecast

Of course, the detail and accuracy of those forecasts will be more enhanced the closer to the actual event, so use the service with that understanding.

Don't forget your raincoats and umbrellas on Tuesday night, and plan for a beautiful Carnival weekend across the state in just a few days.