Explore South Louisiana's Weather: Hot Summers, Mild Winters

Lafayette, La (KPEL News) - It's been hot lately. Last year, it was unbelievably hot...and dry! Yes, I know that you already know this, but I thought this would be a good opportunity to find out if it is unusually hot, or if this is just the normal.

South Louisiana is known for its humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. Located in the Gulf Coast region, Lafayette's weather is influenced by both tropical systems and continental air masses. Here's a detailed look at the climate history of the area from the archives of the National Weather Service.

Temperature Trends

Average Annual Temperature:
- The annual average temperature in Lafayette is approximately 68°F (20°C).
- Summers are typically hot, with average high temperatures reaching 90°F (32°C) in July and August.
- Winters are mild, with average low temperatures in January around 42°F (6°C).
Historical Extremes:
- The highest recorded temperature was 107°F (41.7°C) on August 30, 2000.
- The lowest recorded temperature was 10°F (-12.2°C) on February 2, 1951.

unsplash via clay leconey

Precipitation Patterns

Average Annual Precipitation:

Lafayette receives about 62 inches of rainfall annually, making it one of the wetter cities in the United States.
Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, though the summer months can see increased rainfall due to tropical systems.

Notable Weather Events:

Great Flood of 1927

Date:

Getty Images

I remember my great-grandmother telling me stories about the Great Flood of 1927. She lived and Breaux Bridge and was forced to evacuate. The refugees headed down the Breaux Bridge Highway (Carmel Drive) just past Lake Martin Road (LA 353). The land naturally rises and the hillside was filled with the tents of refugees escaping the floodwaters.

Impact: The Great Flood of 1927 was one of the most devastating floods in U.S. history, affecting several states along the Mississippi River. In South Louisiana, the floodwaters inundated large areas, displacing thousands of residents and causing significant economic losses. The event led to major changes in flood management and levee construction across the region.

Hurricane Audrey (1957)

Date: June 27, 1957
Impact: One of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the United States, Audrey made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border, causing extensive damage and loss of life in Southwest Louisiana. The storm surge reached heights of up to 12 feet, inundating coastal communities. Audrey resulted in approximately 500 fatalities and left thousands homeless.

Hurricane Rita (2005)

Date: September 24, 2005
Impact: Striking just weeks after Hurricane Katrina, Rita made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border, causing significant flooding and wind damage in Southwest Louisiana. The storm surge led to widespread flooding, particularly in Cameron Parish. Rita was responsible for extensive property damage and disruption to the region's infrastructure.

Hurricane Lili (2002): Lili made landfall near Intracoastal City, just south of Lafayette, causing significant wind damage and power outages.

2016 Floods: The region experienced catastrophic flooding in August 2016, with over 20 inches of rain falling in some areas, leading to widespread damage and displacement.

Getty Images

Seasonal Weather

Spring:
- Spring is a transitional season with mild temperatures and increasing humidity. It's also a time of year when severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, can occur.
Summer:
- Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Heat indices can soar above 100°F due to high humidity levels. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often bringing heavy rain.
Fall:
- Fall sees a gradual cooling of temperatures and a decrease in humidity. It's a relatively dry season, but tropical storms can still pose a threat early in the fall.
Winter:
- Winters are mild compared to much of the United States. Freezing temperatures are rare, and snowfall is extremely uncommon.

Historical Climate Changes

Long-term Temperature Changes:
- Over the past century, Lafayette has experienced a gradual increase in average temperatures, consistent with global trends. This has led to longer and hotter summers.
Precipitation Variability:
- While annual precipitation has remained relatively consistent, the region has seen an increase in the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events. This aligns with broader trends in the Southeastern United States.

nhc.noaa.gov

Influence of the Gulf of Mexico

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes:
- Lafayette's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, which can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds.
Sea Breeze Effect:
- The sea breeze from the Gulf often influences local weather patterns, leading to afternoon thunderstorms and temperature moderation.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Flood Mitigation Efforts:
- In response to frequent flooding, Lafayette and the surrounding areas have invested in flood control measures, including improved drainage systems and community planning to mitigate future risks.
Community Awareness:
- Public education campaigns and emergency preparedness plans have been implemented to enhance community resilience to weather-related disasters.

Recent Trends and Future Projections

Temperature and Precipitation:
- Recent years have seen warmer-than-average temperatures, particularly during the summer months.
- Climate models predict continued warming and potential increases in the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and hurricanes.
Sea-Level Rise:
- While Lafayette is inland, the broader region may experience impacts from sea-level rise, particularly in terms of storm surge during tropical systems.