Weather and climate in Louisiana: Humid subtropical climate. Hot, humid summers. Mild, short winters. Frequent thunderstorms. High annual rainfall. Hurricane-prone region. Tornado occurrences. Humidity year-round. Rare snowfall. Flooding risks.
Humid subtropical climate.
Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunder showers and mild winters. The state's climate is influenced by its location on the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi-Missouri River Valley, resulting in high humidity, substantial rainfall, and a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes from June to November. For more detailed insights, you can explore the climate of Louisiana and understand how its geographical position affects the weather patterns and conditions experienced throughout the year.
Hot, humid summers.
Louisiana's hot and humid summers are driven by its geographic location near the Gulf of Mexico, high humidity levels, low elevation, urban heat island effects, intense solar radiation, and atmospheric pressure systems. These factors contribute to making the heat feel even more oppressive due to the high moisture in the air. For a more detailed explanation on this phenomenon, you can visit the Sweltering Heat article on 929 The Lake's website, which delves into the interplay of these contributing elements and offers insights into mitigating the discomfort during these challenging months.
Mild, short winters.
Louisiana experiences mild and variable winters, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21°C), and snowfall is rare, usually melting quickly due to the mild temperatures. Winter is also a drier season with less frequent rainfall, although cold fronts can bring brief periods of colder weather. For more insights into the characteristics of Louisiana's climate, you can visit Louisiana Weather, which provides detailed information on the state's weather patterns and conditions.
Frequent thunderstorms.
Louisiana experiences a high frequency of thunderstorms, averaging over 60 days of thunderstorms per year, more than any other state except Florida. These storms are often associated with tropical cyclones and severe weather events. For more details on this phenomenon, you can visit the comprehensive guide on Louisiana Weather And Climate to learn how these weather conditions impact the state.
High annual rainfall.
Louisiana experiences high annual rainfall, with averages ranging from around 50 inches in the north to over 66 inches in some southeastern areas, such as Slidell, which receives approximately 66.2 inches of precipitation per year. The state's subtropical climate, influenced by the Gulf of Mexico, results in year-round precipitation, with some areas receiving as much as 70 inches annually. For more detailed information about Louisiana's average yearly precipitation, you can visit the Current Results website.
Hurricane-prone region.
Louisiana is highly susceptible to hurricanes, particularly in coastal regions like Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, and Plaquemines parishes due to their exposure to the Gulf of Mexico. The state experiences a peak in hurricane activity in September, with historical data showing it has been hit by a tropical storm or major hurricane numerous times since 1851, and the coastal areas are at the highest risk due to storm surges and hurricane-force winds. For more detailed information and guidance on preparation, visit the Louisiana Emergency Response Guide.
Tornado occurrences.
In Louisiana, the number of tornadoes has increased over the decades, with an average of 34 tornadoes per year in the 1980s rising to 59 per year in the 2010s. However, the frequency of stronger tornadoes (EF-2 or higher) has not significantly increased, and advancements in detection technology and social media have enhanced awareness of tornado activity. For a deeper exploration of how these trends are analyzed, visit the WWLTV Website to read more about this interesting phenomenon. The increased ability to detect and communicate about tornadoes highlights the importance of technology in understanding and responding to natural events.
Humidity year-round.
Louisiana experiences high humidity year-round, with average daily humidity levels ranging from 72% in Shreveport to 78% in Lake Charles. The highest humidity levels typically occur in the morning, around 6 am, with averages up to 91%, while the lowest levels are in the afternoon, around 3 pm, with averages as low as 53%. For more detailed information on humidity statistics in the region, visit the Current Results website.
Rare snowfall.
Snow in Louisiana is extremely rare, with measurable snowfall occurring on average only once every other year in Northwest Louisiana and even less frequently in the southern parts of the state. The state's subtropical climate, influenced by its low latitudes and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, makes significant snowfall events highly unusual and often disruptive to transportation and daily life. For more detailed information on this fascinating topic, visit Snow in Louisiana.
Flooding risks.
Louisiana faces significant flooding risks due to its low elevation, subsidence, and rising sea levels, exacerbated by climate change, which intensifies the water cycle, leading to more frequent and intense flooding, including coastal, fluvial, and pluvial types. The state's unique geography, with much of it below sea level, and the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and heavy rainfall events, further compound these flood risks. For more detailed insights, visit the Climate Reality Project which provides a comprehensive analysis of how the crisis is impacting the region.