Parades in Peril? Louisiana Forecast Puts A Damper on the Weekend

Mardi Gras parades and festivals are on the schedule in a big way this weekend across Louisiana. Lafayette, Scott, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and many other towns and cities across the state will offer revelers a chance to earn their beads along parade routes beginning tonight and lasting all the way through Sunday.

Naturally, a major concern for parade and event organizers is the weather forecast. Last weekend there were concerns over strong storms and how those storms might affect attendance and crowd safety. This weekend, we have a similar weather scenario, however, the threat of severe storms is not included in the weekend forecast. At least as of this report, there is no forecast threat for severe storms.

That's not to say there won't be rain this weekend. It's when that rain is forecast to fall that is important for those wanting to attend Mardi Gras or any other outside function such as college baseball or college softball. UL's Ragin' Cajuns, the LSU Tigers, and the McNeese Cowboys all host three-game baseball series in their respective home ballparks this weekend. The same can be said for those universities' softball programs.

When Will it Rain in Louisiana This Weekend?

Any events set for Friday afternoon or evening should not be affected by weather. Other than cool temperatures and a cool breeze, there is no threat of rain in the forecast for Friday. So that means tonight's Krewe De Canailles walking parade in downtown Lafayette shouldn't experience any weather-related issues when it steps off tonight at 7 p.m.

What is Saturday's Parade Forecast?

There are two big parades in the Lafayette area that roll during the middle of the day on Saturday. The Scott Mardi Gras Parade is set for 11 am. City officials say they will be closing streets at 9:30 on Saturday morning. So, if you plan on attending you'll need to be at your spot well ahead of parade time.

The other Saturday daytime parade is the Krewe des Chiens parade for dogs in downtown Lafayette. That parade puts its "best paw forward" beginning at Noon. In Lake Arthur the Mardi Gras parade there will begin at 3 pm.

The daytime parades on Saturday might experience a passing shower but that isn't likely. The forecast does call for cloudy skies during the day on Saturday with temperatures in the lower 50s.

Saturday Night Storms Could Affect Evening Parades

The Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parade is set to roll through the streets of Lafayette beginning at 6:30. Based on computer model guidance it does appear as though the "Rio Parade" will escape any weather issues as well. The forecast does call for an increasing threat of showers and storms on Saturday evening but right now the timing suggests those storms won't arrive until after the parade has finished.

The forecast for Sunday does include a significant threat of rain, especially in the morning hours. The threat of showers and storms will begin to decrease as the day wears on Sunday. By Monday, sunny skies and seasonable temperatures should return to the area.