The Bay Area isn't the only place feeling the chill this winter as our neighbors in New Orleans brace for an Extreme Cold Watch issued by the National Weather Service. The advisory, set to take effect from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning, signals a stark drop in temperatures—cold enough to have residents bundling up against possible wind chills dipping as low as 7 degrees above zero, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Typically balmy New Orleans is currently experiencing a chilly overcast with a humidity level sitting at 86% and the mercury barely climbing, the city saw 53°F (12°C) as of the last update, according to the National Weather Service; the forecast doesn't offer much reprieve with showers and possible thunderstorms expected, and winds gusting as high as 20 mph today, making for a wet and blustery weekend ahead.
The warning encompasses not only parts of southeast Louisiana but also southern Mississippi, highlighting the importance of taking precautions against the cold, such as dressing in layers—including a hat, face mask, and gloves—if going outside is necessary. The National Weather Service's alert underlines the risk of frostbite and hypothermia under these severe weather conditions, and stresses the need to protect water pipes from bursting through insulation or by allowing them to drip slowly.
Residents are urged to take precautions by keeping pets indoors or providing outdoor animals with warm, dry shelter and unfrozen water. People are also encouraged to check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly. The extreme cold can be dangerous and affects more than just roads and snow.
The National Weather Service is also advising those without adequate home heating, or who lack shelter altogether to call 211 for assistance with finding a reprieve from the impending chill. With colder days ahead, New Orleans is gearing up to weather a bout of cold that may seem commonplace to some, but stands as a harsh reminder that the bite of winter can be felt even in the heart of the Gulf Coast.
