textproduct: New Orleans/Baton Rouge

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 412 AM CST Sun Jan 11 2026

* A significant cool down is forecast following today's cold front. Low temperatures near or just below freezing are forecast for most places that are generally along/north of the I-10/12 corridor Monday and Tuesday mornings. Any freezing temperatures should only last a few hours. Residents should take action to protect sensitive vegetation and ensure outdoor pets have access to warm shelter.

* According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home fires occur between the months of December, January and February, with the increased risk attributed to the use of home heating devices such as portable space heaters and fire places. Those planning to use such devices during this cold snap should be sure to follow all manufacturer safety recommendations such as using a screen and keeping a fire extinguisher near all fire places and ensuring all space heaters are plugged directly into wall outlets and placed on level surfaces at least 3 ft from any flammable materials. * In the wake of the cold front, strong winds and rough seas will develop across the coastal waters. Small craft advisories are in effect from 6p this evening through 6a Monday. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

SHORT TERM

(Tonight through Monday night) Issued at 754 PM CST Sat Jan 10 2026

Well that was a lot of rain within a several hour period mainly during the early morning hours today. The winner was Clinton, MS 0.4NW with 7.08 inches. This data comes from the cooperative obvserver network. The people that do this service are invaluable and they all take a lot time and effort to take and xmit these readings daily and/or when measureable weather is taking place.

After that, we all deserve some tranquil wx for a bit especially with Mardi Gras season already kicked off with Twelfth Night Jan 6th. The season ends with Mardi Gras Day, Feb 17th. We will get some tranquil but cool wx for the next few days but there are some quick changes coming during this week.

LONG TERM

(Tuesday night through Saturday night) Issued at 754 PM CST Sat Jan 10 2026

This week will advertise two systems. The first will be very weak and only produce cloud cover for most with some light rain moving through late Tue night into Wed then the same cool dry conditions come back for late Wed through Fri. Basically, a reinforcing cold front. After this, a quick warming and moistening will occur Fri with the advance of the next frontal system that does look to cause area wide storms with heavy rainfall and another round of severe wx possibilities. This unfortunately occurs by the weekend. Exactly which day and time of day it will bring the worst wx is still up for debate. Unfortunately, a system like this makes it very hard to enjoy the festivities over the weekend. We will continue to look into this to pin down the what, when, where as we get closer to next weekend.

AVIATION

(12Z TAFS) Issued at 412 AM CST Sun Jan 11 2026

VFR conditions prevail at all area airports and will persist through the forecast period. Some gusty winds above 20 kts are forecast at MSY late tonight, which should improve by Monday morning. MSW

MARINE

Issued at 754 PM CST Sat Jan 10 2026

Small craft advisories will remain through 6am Monday with northerly winds around 25kt. Winds will slowly lower through Tue while a surface high moves into the northern gulf waters late Tue. A west wind will begin as the high moves SE by Wednesday. West winds will rise ahead of a reinforcing cold front moving through late Wed bringing winds around to NW 20-25kt Wed night into Thursday.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

MCB 55 30 53 32 / 0 0 0 0 BTR 58 33 56 34 / 0 0 0 0 ASD 59 33 55 32 / 0 0 0 0 MSY 60 41 54 42 / 0 0 0 0 GPT 59 35 54 35 / 0 0 0 0 PQL 59 30 55 30 / 0 0 0 0

LIX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

LA...None. GM...Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for GMZ530-532-534- 536-538-550-552-555-557-570-572-575-577.

MS...None. GM...Small Craft Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for GMZ532-534-536- 538-550-552-555-557-570-572-575-577.