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).

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