Freezing Rain, Wintry Mix Possible in Louisiana Next Weekend

(KMDL-FM) It was about this time one year ago that many of us in Louisiana were doubting what the weather forecasters were telling us. Just 11 months and a week or so ago, this is what I-10 looked like.

Back then, forecasters were telling us that a major snowstorm was heading for Louisiana all the way down to the coast. Now, fast forward to the weekend of January 24th of this year. There is an apparent threat of freezing rain and wintry precipitation heading for the state.

READ MORE: Snowfall Returning to Louisiana in January? Why That Could Happen

The cold snap the I-10 corridor just experienced this weekend was mild compared to what we saw and felt one year ago. I believe temperature readings were in the single digits in cities such as Lafayette, Crowley, Lake Charles, and New Iberia, too. We don't expect that kind of freeze, but even the mainstream forecasts are picking up on a strong winter storm and an icy mess in the Gulf South.

Get our free mobile app

Forecasters Warn of Icy Conditions Heading for Louisiana

As of now, most of the models are keeping the potential for frozen precipitation north of the I-10 corridor. But those model solutions, especially one week out, do have a lot of wiggle room. Now, that wiggle room could mean a shift further south, a shift further to the north, or the storm system doesn't materialize as first thought. That happens a lot in long-range forecasts. We learned that from watching hurricanes.

Forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center are suggesting that the next eight to ten days across the Gulf South and the eastern half of the country will be spent experiencing temperatures at or below what is normal for this time of year. You can see the graphic below.

Over the next few days, forecasters believe a low-pressure system will form just off the Louisiana coast. This will be the catalyst for increased moisture in the area. That means our rain chances will start to increase as the work week moves on.

READ MORE: Which Louisiana Town Got the Most Snow During the 2025 Storm?

This will mean abundant moisture in place when a strong cold front approaches the area on Thursday into Friday. This cold front is expected to drop temperatures well below the freezing mark in many locales across the state, and there are some portions of Louisiana that could see significant ice accumulations.

That's the Euro Model for Ice Accumulation, and as you can see, the dividing line, at this time, between ice and not ice appears to be Highway 28 that bisects Louisiana from Leesville through Alexandria, and then on toward Natchez, MS.

How Much Ice Is Expected to Accumulate in Louisiana?

We can tell you this: if the ice accumulations reach the levels that are forecast, the damage across North Louisiana will be significant. Persons in the northern part of the state, along the I-20 corridor, should be cognizant of this approaching storm and make plans to shelter in place for what could be several days without power, should this system materialize as forecast.

The outlook for the I-10 corridor is not as threatening. Cities such as Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans will get cold. Temperatures will approach the freezing mark over the weekend. As of now, it looks as though the wintry precipitation will stay in northern Louisiana.

However, there remains considerable uncertainty in this forecast. However, a seven-day forecast has an 80% accuracy rating. So there is reason for concern.

As we mentioned, a shift of a few miles in one direction or another could significantly alter your living situation. Please check back with us often for the latest on this potential winter weather threat. Speaking of which, now would be a good time to make sure your home is prepared for any Arctic chills that head our way.