Louisiana Spring Weather Could Be a ‘Polar Coaster’ Ride

After a multi-month stretch of high heat and very little precipitation for the bulk of 2023, Louisiana's weather pattern does appear to have shifted as we move into the first six weeks of 2024. In those six weeks, Louisiana residents have experienced at least three bouts of sub-freezing temperatures and more than a couple of excessive rain events.

And if you think the spring outlook for the state calls for smooth sailing, you better think again. The well-respected forecasters at the Old Farmer's Almanac have used the term "polar coaster" to describe what the weather forecast across portions of the Gulf South will be over the next three months and if their prognosis is accurate would could experience a rather bumpy spring. 

Meteorological spring begins on March 1st, although the Spring Equinox won't happen until the 19th. For Louisiana, spring is usually a time for very active weather. Oddly enough, the month that produces the most tornadoes in the state is November but April is far behind followed closely by tornado totals for March and May.

The Old Farmer's Almanac seems to be suggesting through its forecast that Louisiana will not experience any more bouts of freezing weather. Their outlook for March and April suggests both temperatures and precipitation will be well above normal.

The Climate Prediction Center doesn't predict a "polar coaster" for Louisiana but the CPC does suggest that the next three months will offer seasonable temperatures across the Gulf South.

The CPC precipitation estimates also seem to corroborate what the Old Farmer's Almanac is saying as well. As they too are looking for slightly above-normal rainfall amounts for the first few weeks of springtime.

The good news about the potential for warmer temperatures and a little more rainfall is that it could save the latter part of the crawfish season in Louisiana. Producers have become more optimistic over the past few weeks and this shift in the weather pattern will certainly be more beneficial for the crawfish producers in the state.