BATON ROUGE, La. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, suggests Louisiana may see a colder and more unsettled pattern than usual — especially across northern parishes — with potential for ice or snow events into early March. The Climate Prediction Center’s maps show above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures across the lower Mississippi Valley, signaling an active La Niña-driven setup.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, “Northern Louisiana has an elevated risk of brief snow or ice this winter, particularly from January through mid-February.” Cities like Shreveport, Ruston, and Monroe could experience several cold fronts strong enough to bring sleet or freezing rain. Central Louisiana — including Alexandria and Natchitoches — may see a few icy mornings, while southern areas like Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans remain mostly mild with frequent rain and cooler nights.
Forecasters caution that even short-lived cold snaps could create hazardous travel on I-20 and I-49 during freezing rain events. Entergy and LADOTD are preparing for the possibility of isolated power outages and slick bridges north of I-10.
While snow chances are limited statewide, NOAA warns that colder air may linger into March, keeping nighttime lows below normal across much of the region. Residents should ensure heating systems are serviced, protect exposed pipes, and monitor alerts during Arctic surges.
For Louisiana, Winter 2026 looks mild in the south but risky in the north — the kind of winter where one strong front can turn rain to ice overnight.
