Louisiana's humid subtropical climate is relatively uniform throughout the state. The chief factors influencing climate are the subtropical latitude, location along the Gulf of Mexico, the continental landmass to the north, and the
prevailing southerly winds. Annual average
precipitation ranges from 1,175 mm (46 in) in the northwest to more
than 1,625 mm (64 in) in the southeast. Although precipitation is for
the most part evenly distributed throughout the year, February and
March tend to be slightly wetter. Diurnal summer temperatures range
from 29 deg to 35 deg C (84 deg to 95 deg F) in the afternoons to 16
deg to 24 deg C (61 deg to 75 deg F) in the early morning.
Temperatures of at least 38 deg C (100 deg F) occur in almost all
years. Louisiana is subject to tropical storms in summer and
hurricanes in summer and fall, often accompanied by tornadoes. The
cooler seasons are more variable, influenced by both cold polar
air and warm tropical air. Winter temperatures drop as low as 5 deg C
(41 deg F).
Regional
Climate of New Orleans
The weather in the coastal region is as diverse as
everything else about Louisiana. The moody Gulf of Mexico is the
state's weather-maker and gives Louisiana its subtropical climate.
Snow rarely falls in the southern sections, with only small snowfalls
usually recorded in the northern areas. The statewide annual rainfall
is about 56 inches a year, with the northern regions averaging 46
inches and some of the southern coastal parishes averaging as high as
66 inches of rainfall a year. Annual average temperatures range from
66 to 69 degrees, with July averaging 82 degrees and January
averaging 53 degrees.
See Also:
Louisiana
Radar Image
The
2007 Atlantic hurricane season
Tropical
storm information
Southern
Regional Climate Center from LSU