NEW ORLEANS, La. — A stretch of springlike weather is expected to settle across Louisiana during the Valentine’s Day weekend and persist into late February, with temperatures running well above seasonal averages from Feb. 14 through Feb. 20.
Daytime highs across much of southern Louisiana, including the New Orleans metro area, are forecast to consistently reach the low to mid-70s. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain mild, generally falling into the upper 40s and 50s, limiting any risk of cold-weather impacts during the period.
Rain chances appear relatively low for much of the state. While passing weather systems may bring occasional cloud cover, widespread or prolonged rainfall is not currently anticipated. Any precipitation that does occur is expected to be scattered and brief, allowing for multiple dry days throughout the forecast window.
Farther north, including Baton Rouge and Lafayette, temperatures are expected to follow a similar trend, with highs frequently climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s. Along the Gulf Coast, slightly warmer conditions may develop at times, especially during periods of southerly flow.
Winds are forecast to remain generally light to moderate, though breezier conditions may develop intermittently as weak frontal boundaries pass through the region. These fronts are expected to lack significant cold air, resulting in only minimal temperature drops before warmer conditions quickly return.
Forecasters say the absence of strong Arctic air intrusions will allow above-normal temperatures to persist across Louisiana through at least the third week of February, reinforcing a pattern more typical of early spring than mid-winter.
