The Climate of Louisiana

According to Abbreviation Finder, the US state of Louisiana (LA) is located in the southeastern United States. Louisiana is located on the Gulf of Mexico and borders the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. The border with Mississippi is partly formed by the river of the same name. Louisiana is a fairly flat state, with no serious elevations. Louisiana’s highest point is just 163 feet above sea level. On the coast dominate swamp areas, which in total account for an area of ​​no less than fifty thousand square kilometers.

Warm maritime climate

Louisiana has a warm maritime climate, which falls within the Köppen classification in the Cfa category. Of all US states, Louisiana is perhaps the most classic example of this climate type. The subtropical character is mainly determined by its location on the Gulf of Mexico, which ensures that the winters are very mild and there are very warm and humid summers. From May to September, the maximum temperature is on average between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with summers being slightly wetter than other seasons.

Hurricanes

Louisiana is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can move north from the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana from July through December. Because part of Louisiana’s coastal area is just above or even below sea level, the probability of flooding from hurricanes is quite high. The history of Louisiana therefore unfortunately has several lows in this area, such as Hurricane Katrina, which in August 2005 caused as much as 80% of the city of New Orleans to be flooded. The economic and social damage was enormous, especially as many residents became homeless in one fell swoop.

Climate figures

The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. The temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

The climate of Alexandria

According to Countryaah, Alexandria is a medium-sized city in the central part of the US state of Louisiana. The city is located on the south bank of the Red River. Alexandria is located in the middle of the Kisatchie National Forest, the only national forest in the state of Louisiana. One of the biggest events in the city is the annual Mardi Gras festival. In addition, there are several annual music festivals.

Alexandria has a warm maritime climate, with warm hot summer months in which the average humidity will be very high. Despite the city’s more inland location, you still have to take tropical storms and hurricanes into account here. The winter months are cool and pleasant, but frost cannot be ruled out. The annual precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year. The annual average precipitation is around 1,500 millimeters.

The climate of Baton Rouge

Although New Orleans is for many Louisiana’s best-known city, Baton Rouge more inland is the capital of this southeastern US state. Baton Rouge is an important city of industry and scientific research. The metropolis of Baton Rouge has almost a million inhabitants.

Baton Rouge has a warm maritime climate (type Cfa according to the Köppen climate system), with long, warm, humid summers, two relatively short transition seasons and mild winters, with limited frost days and spring-like weather for even the coldest months. can come. Snowfall is extremely rare. If there is snow in three consecutive calendar years, that is already quite special. This happened quite recently in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Despite its slightly inland location, Baton Rouge is still sensitive to hurricanes and tropical storms. With winds exceeding 170 kilometers per hour, Hurricane Gustav in the year 2008 is an example of a damaging natural phenomenon for Baton Rouge.

The climate of Lafayette

Lafayette is a large city in southern Louisiana, on the Vermilion River. More than half a million people live in the metropolitan area of ​​the city. This area was originally inhabited by the Atakapa Indians. At the beginning of the 19th century, Lafayette was founded as a parish. In the city is the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. This neo-Romanesque cathedral was built for almost 100 years.

Lafayette has a warm maritime climate, which is characterized by the long, warm but wet summer months. The average humidity is on the high side during these months. Temperatures can reach tropical heights during these months. The winter months are cool but pleasant. Frost can and will occur here, but especially during the nights. Lafayette is located in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.

The climate of Lake Charles

Lake Charles is a large city in southwestern Louisiana, on the Calcasieu River. The city is also located on Lake Charles and Lake Prien. The city’s main source of income is the petrochemical industry. In addition, the city is home to McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College.

Lake Charles has a warm maritime climate, with long, hot summer months and cool, but mild winter months. The temperatures in the winter months can rise considerably and peaks towards 40 degrees Celsius are certainly no exception here. Frost can occur in the winter months, but it will usually not be for a longer period of time. Lake Charles is located in an area that can be ravaged by tropical storms and hurricanes.

The climate of New Orleans

New Orleans is located in the southeast of the state of Louisiana, on the Mississippi. New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana and is known as The Big Easy. The city is home to the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and the New Orleans Hornets (NBA). The city is known for its special carnival, the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The city was badly hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, in which more than 80 percent of the city was flooded. Almost the entire city had to be evacuated. In total, more than 1,500 people were killed by this hurricane in the city of New Orleans alone.

New Orleans has a warm maritime climate, which is characterized by a cool but mild winter period and a warm summer period. During the summer months, the mercury can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius. This, in combination with the high rainfall, results in high humidity. During the winter months it can regularly freeze, but this will generally be limited to night frost. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in New Orleans.

The climate of Shreveport

Shreveport is a large city in northwestern Louisiana. The city is located on the Red River, which separates the city from Bossier City. The Red River eventually flows into the Mississippi. Shreveport is not far from the Texas and Arkansas state borders. The city is a major player in the US oil market thanks to Standard Oil of Louisiana. Shreveport has several universities, including one with a medical school. The neighboring town of Bossier City is known for its gambling palaces and racecourses.

Shreveport has a warm maritime climate, which is characterized by the warm and sometimes hot, but wet summer months. Winters are generally cool but pleasant. Because the city is further inland, Shreveport sometimes also has to deal with the warm continental climate. The heat record in the city is 43 degrees Celsius. The cold record is -23 degrees Celsius. Now these are the extremes, but you have to take them into account. In the city you still have a small chance of tropical storms and hurricanes.