Weather
Louisiana Winter Outlook 2026-27: New Orleans Snow, Ice Chances
New Orleans, LA – Louisiana could experience a wetter than normal winter season in 2026 27, with increased rainfall chances across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport. Although widespre
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-16T16:19:12.656Z
New Orleans, LA – Louisiana could experience a wetter than normal winter season in 2026 27, with increased rainfall chances across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport. Although widespread winter weather is not currently forecast, occasional freezing temperatures and icy conditions remain possible.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, seasonal outlooks issued Thursday, October 15, favor above normal precipitation across Louisiana from November 2026 through January 2027.
What temperatures are expected across Louisiana?
NOAA's temperature outlook shows near normal temperatures favored across much of Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
Northern Louisiana, including Shreveport and Monroe, sits closer to an area favoring above normal temperatures, although the signal is relatively weak.
This does not mean every winter day will be mild. Periods of colder weather remain possible, especially when Arctic air pushes southward into the Gulf Coast region.
Could Louisiana see snow or ice this winter?
The precipitation outlook indicates approximately 40% to 50% probabilities of above normal precipitation across portions of Louisiana, with the stronger signal generally farther east.
However, wetter than normal conditions do not necessarily mean additional snowfall.
Most winter precipitation in Louisiana typically falls as rain, but freezing rain, sleet and occasional snow can develop when sufficiently cold air overlaps with incoming moisture.
Forecasters are also monitoring very strong El Niño conditions, which are considered highly likely to continue into winter.
El Niño can influence storm tracks across the southern United States, potentially increasing opportunities for rainfall and stronger weather systems.
For Louisiana residents, heavier rainfall could create occasional travel concerns along Interstate 10, Interstate 20 and Interstate 49.
Drivers should also remain alert for possible icy bridges and overpasses during freezing weather.
While the seasonal outlook provides a general winter pattern, it cannot determine when individual storms, cold outbreaks or snowfall events will occur.