Louisiana and Mississippi Prepare for Bitter Wind Chills in the Teens and 20s Early Monday Morning

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA — Residents across Louisiana and Mississippi should brace for a sharp and sudden chill as an Arctic cold front plunges deep into the Gulf states late Sunday night, bringing wind chills in the teens and 20s by early Monday morning. Forecasters warn that the combination of cold air and brisk winds will create the coldest morning of the season so far.

Arctic Air Pushes South Overnight

Meteorologists expect temperatures to fall rapidly overnight Sunday as the Arctic air mass spreads southward through the Deep South. Wind chills will dip into the upper teens across northern Louisiana and central Mississippi, with “feels-like” readings near 18°F in Jackson and Monroe.

Even along the Gulf Coast, where winters are typically mild, residents will feel the sting of this Arctic surge. Baton Rouge is expected to wake up to a wind chill near 24°F, while New Orleans will feel like 24°F to 26°F around daybreak Monday.

“This is going to be one of those mornings when stepping outside hits you like a wall,” one local forecaster warned. “It’s not a light jacket kind of cold — it’s a double-layer, gloves, and hat morning for much of Louisiana and southern Mississippi.”

Strong Winds and Sharp Temperature Drop

As the front moves through, northwest winds between 15 and 25 mph will sweep across the region, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. Residents are urged to protect pipes, plants, and pets, as the biting wind chills will persist into the late morning hours.

According to updated models, wind chills across central Mississippi and northern Louisiana could briefly drop into the mid-teens, particularly in elevated or open areas where the wind is strongest.

Precautionary Measures Recommended

Officials from the National Weather Service offices in Jackson and New Orleans have advised residents to prepare for a brief but intense cold snap, emphasizing that safety measures should be taken tonight before the temperature drops.
Recommended precautions include:

• Drip indoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Bring pets indoors or ensure outdoor animals have adequate shelter.
• Cover outdoor plants or move them inside if possible.
• Wear multiple layers and limit time outdoors Monday morning.

Drivers are also encouraged to be cautious during the Monday morning commute, as frost and icy patches could develop on bridges and overpasses in rural areas.

Brief Cold Spell Before Warmer Days Return

The Arctic blast will be short-lived. Temperatures are forecast to rebound by midweek, with highs returning to the 50s and 60s by Wednesday across much of Louisiana and Mississippi. However, Monday morning will serve as a reminder that winter has officially settled in across the Deep South.

“This kind of cold doesn’t last long here, but it can still cause problems if you’re not ready,” forecasters added. “Take the warnings seriously — this is a real-deal cold front.”

Residents are encouraged to prepare tonight and stay weather-aware through Monday morning.

For continued weather alerts and regional updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.