BATON ROUGE — Another powerful arctic blast is sweeping across Louisiana, bringing some of the coldest temperatures of the season just as Mardi Gras festivities really kick off across the state.
State Climatologist Jay Grymes says nearly every corner of Louisiana will feel the impact, with dangerously cold air settling in through the weekend.
“Everybody statewide gets hit with another arctic blast tonight into tomorrow,” Grymes said. “We’re looking at temperatures that could drop into the teens even this far south, with wind chills in the single digits up in the northern parishes. This is going to be as cold, if not colder, than the blast we had just a few days ago.”
According to Grymes, the northern half of the state will dip back below freezing overnight, while South Louisiana struggles to warm up during the day. Strong winds on Saturday will make conditions feel even more bitter.
“Saturday morning especially, winds will be running 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts into the upper 20s,” Grymes said. “That’s going to make it really, really uncomfortably cold. Even in South Louisiana, we’ll struggle just to get into the 40s.”
The cold snap is expected to last about two days, with winds easing Sunday and a gradual warmup beginning early next week. However, Grymes warns another freeze is still possible Monday morning.
The good news, he says, is that this system is arriving without precipitation.
“There’s no precip with this one,” Grymes said. “So road conditions should continue to improve, especially in North Louisiana, where some parishes are still dealing with power outages from earlier in the week.”
Your complete guide to 2026 Mardi Gras parades and events for Baton Rouge and surrounding areas
The Parade Rolls on with a New Time
With parades continuing despite the cold, some organizers are adjusting schedules to keep participants safe. In New Roads, the Krewe of Chemin Neuf moved the start time of its annual night parade from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31.
Krewe founder Robert Myer says the change was made to avoid sub-freezing temperatures for marching groups and bands.
“I just didn’t want the kids to start marching when the temperature was below freezing,” Myer said. “When we start, it’ll be about 34 to 35 degrees. That was really the only change.”
The parade will still feature seven bands, ten marching groups, and floats, following the same route through Highway 10, Parent Street, Main Street, Jenny Street, and Napoleon Street, passing landmarks such as St. Augustine Church and the local library.
Grymes says whether you’re riding on a float or watching from the curb, preparation is key.
“If you’re thinking about parades — whether you’re a parade goer or especially if you’re on a float — make sure you dress for it,” he said.
Despite the bitter cold, Mardi Gras traditions continue across Louisiana, proving that even an arctic blast isn’t enough to freeze the Carnival spirit — just be sure to bundle up.
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