*WINTER STORM WATCH* for the shaded area. Significant freezing rain, sleet and/or snow is possible. #lawx #mswx pic.twitter.com/i0doz8andL
— WBRZ Weather (@WBRZweather) February 13, 2021
A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Wilkinson, Amite, and Pike parishes and counties. This will go into effect late on Sunday evening through Monday afternoon.
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Winter Weather: A strong storm system will spread precipitation across the southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi on Monday morning. Temperatures will be in the low 40s and upper 30s causing most areas to start with rain. Cold air will rush in from west to east and temperatures will fall down to freezing from morning into the afternoon. This will support a change to freezing rain and sleet for the northwestern two-thirds of the forecast area. Especially north and west of Baton Rouge, freezing rain and sleet may last long enough to accumulate and make travel dangerous. Similar impacts are possible in the Capital City with decreasing chances southeastward to New Orleans. Even if no changeover occurs, the sharp drop in temperatures will cause any leftover wet spots to turn icy. Fortunately, Mardi Gras will be mostly sunny and warm into the 40s to help with melting. See the image above for a map of what to expect in your area. CLICK HERE to view your complete 7-Day Forecast.
The Weekend: Friday night will remain damp and cloudy with spotty showers and low temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. Light northerly winds have taken hold of the area and chilly air is here to stay for a while. On Saturday, clouds will stick along with the possibility of an isolated shower. There is just about the same low chance for a peek of sun. High temperatures will be in the upper 40s. A weak disturbance could fling enough moisture our way on Saturday night and Sunday morning for some light rain showers or even sleet. However, with air temperatures just above freezing, no issues are expected. The rest of Valentine’s Day will be gray and cold with thermometers barely into the 40s.
While cold, #BatonRouge area thermometers may not go below freezing until Monday. If you have exposed exterior pipes, use this weekend to prep them for the lowest temperatures since early 2018. pic.twitter.com/T3KIlULBFk
— Josh Eachus (@DrJoshWX) February 13, 2021
Cold Blast: Very cold air is expected on Tuesday morning with low temperatures dipping into the low 20s and upper teens. A few subsequent mornings could also be in the 20s. That type of cold can cause pipes to burst, so use the dry time this weekend to take necessary precautions. Additionally, make sure to provide a warm place for animals as it will be too cold for them outside.
Rivers Update: Runoff from Wednesday and Thursday rainfall has caused some river flooding. Most gauges will crest over the weekend and then fall below flood stage.
Reminder: With the threat for impactful weather—winter precipitation—please have access to alerts through Tuesday evening. You can download or activate the WBRZ WX App on your Apple or Android device or turn on a NOAA Weather Radio for bulletins such as watches and urgent warnings. Of course, WBRZ, WBRZ+, and the Cable Weather Channel will have updates as active weather dictates.