New Orleans, Louisiana – Arctic air is surging deep into the Gulf States, bringing an unusually prolonged stretch of winter cold that is expected to linger through the end of January and into early February. Temperatures are dropping sharply across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, with overnight lows falling well below normal and daytime highs struggling to recover.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February favors much below normal temperatures across the Deep South. This Arctic outbreak is part of a larger national cold surge driving extreme subzero air across the Midwest, while forcing freezing conditions unusually far south into the Gulf Coast region.
For the Gulf States, the primary threats include hard freezes, icy bridges, and the potential for snow, sleet, or freezing rain, especially across northern and interior sections. Slick travel is possible on I-10, I-20, I-55, I-65, and elevated roadways, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Freezing temperatures also raise concerns for pipes, agriculture, and exposed infrastructure in areas not accustomed to prolonged cold.
While brief moderation may occur at times, no sustained warm-up is expected before Feb. 2. Residents are urged to protect plumbing, cover plants, bring pets indoors, limit travel during icy periods, and monitor updates closely as additional freeze warnings and winter weather advisories may be issued while this rare Arctic pattern remains entrenched across the Gulf States.
