Gretna, Louisiana – Louisiana woke up to biting air and stiff winds this morning as an arctic blast tightened its grip across the Gulf South. Breath hangs in the air, pets hesitate outside, and exposed pipes face real risk as wind chills drop into the low teens around the New Orleans metro.
According to the National Weather Service office in New Orleans/Baton Rouge, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. CST. Wind chills as low as 12 degrees have been reported across Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and St. Tammany parishes. Southern Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties in Mississippi are also included.
Temperatures near daybreak hovered in the upper 20s at Lakefront Airport, with north winds gusting near 30 mph. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in minutes. Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and keep pets inside. Water utilities continue to warn about frozen and ruptured pipes, especially in older homes.
As the sun climbs, conditions slowly improve. Highs reach the mid-40s this afternoon with sunshine, though shaded areas stay icy. Melted frost may refreeze after sunset, raising the risk of slick roads during early Monday travel, especially on bridges and elevated ramps.
Relief arrives gradually. Monday warms into the low 60s with calmer winds. By Tuesday, highs push toward the upper 60s, bringing a noticeable shift in feel. Midweek brings increasing clouds and scattered showers, but no return of extreme cold is expected.
This cold snap is part of a broader pattern impacting much of the eastern U.S., with recent cold waves linked to dozens of deaths across southern states. Residents should stay weather-aware as February continues to deliver sharp swings.
Five-Day Outlook for Gretna, Louisiana
Sunday: Sunny, high near 45; very cold morning wind chills
Monday: Frost early, then sunny; high near 61
Tuesday: Mostly sunny; high near 68
Wednesday: Chance of showers; high near 61
Thursday: Sunny; high near 54
