Louisiana

===Climate===
{{See also|List of ecoregions in Louisiana|List of Louisiana hurricanes (2000–present)|Effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans}}

Louisiana has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa''), with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. The subtropical characteristics of the state are due to its low latitude, low lying topography, and the influence of the Gulf of Mexico, which at its farthest point is no more than {{convert|200|mi|-1|abbr=on}} away.

Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year, which is the state's [[wet season]]. There is a dip in precipitation in October. In summer, thunderstorms build during the heat of the day and bring intense but brief, tropical downpours. In winter, rainfall is more frontal and less intense.

Summers in southern Louisiana have high temperatures from June through September averaging {{cvt|90|F}} or more, and overnight lows averaging above {{cvt|70|F}}. At times, temperatures in the 90s{{nbsp}}°F{{nbsp}}({{convert|90|-|99|F|C|disp=out}}), combined with [[dew points]] in the upper 70s{{nbsp}}°F{{nbsp}}({{convert|75|-|79|F|C|disp=out}}), create sensible temperatures over {{convert|120|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. The humid, thick, jungle-like heat in southern Louisiana is a famous subject of countless stories and movies.

Temperatures are generally warm in the winter in the southern part of the state, with highs around New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the rest of southern Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico averaging {{convert|66|°F}}. The northern part of the state is mildly cool in the winter, with highs averaging {{convert|59|°F}}. The overnight lows in the winter average well above freezing throughout the state, with {{convert|46|°F}} the average near the Gulf and an average low of {{convert|37|°F}} in the winter in the northern part of the state.

On occasion, cold fronts from low-pressure centers to the north, reach Louisiana in winter. Low temperatures near {{convert|20|°F}} occur on occasion in the northern part of the state but rarely do so in the southern part of the state. [[Snow in Louisiana|Snow]] is rare near the Gulf of Mexico, although residents in the northern parts of the state might receive a dusting of snow a few times each decade.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 31, 2012|title=When It Snowed in New Orleans|url=https://www.myneworleans.com/when-it-snowed-in-new-orleans/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=My New Orleans|language=en-US|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104201511/https://www.myneworleans.com/when-it-snowed-in-new-orleans/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=110,000 customers left without power in Texas and Louisiana as major snowstorm moves across the South|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/11/weather/southern-snowstorm-outages-monday/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-04|website=CNN|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104201509/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/11/weather/southern-snowstorm-outages-monday/index.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kennell|first=Tiana|title=Weather update: Residents react, prepare for a week of snow in Shreveport, Bossier City|url=https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/weather/2021/02/15/weather-update-snow-day-forecast-february-shreveport-residents/6751883002/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The Times|language=en-US|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104201511/https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/weather/2021/02/15/weather-update-snow-day-forecast-february-shreveport-residents/6751883002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=February 16, 2021|title=North Louisiana sees second snow storm of 2021; How residents are enjoying the weather|url=https://www.myarklamiss.com/community/north-louisiana-sees-second-snow-storm-of-2021-how-residents-are-enjoying-the-weather/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=KTVE - myarklamiss.com|language=en-US|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104201511/https://www.myarklamiss.com/community/north-louisiana-sees-second-snow-storm-of-2021-how-residents-are-enjoying-the-weather/|url-status=live}}</ref> Louisiana's highest recorded temperature is {{convert|114|F|C}} in [[Plain Dealing, Louisiana|Plain Dealing]] on August 10, 1936, while the coldest recorded temperature is {{convert|-16|F|C}} at [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]] on February 13, 1899.

Louisiana is often affected by [[tropical cyclone]]s and is very vulnerable to strikes by major [[Atlantic hurricane|hurricanes]], particularly the [[Upland and lowland|lowlands]] around and in the New Orleans area. The unique geography of the region, with the many bayous, marshes and inlets, can result in water damage across a wide area from major hurricanes. The area is also prone to frequent thunderstorms, especially in the summer.<ref name="Annual average number of tornadoes">{{cite web |url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/img/climate/research/tornado/small/avgt5304.gif |title=NOAA National Climatic Data Center |access-date=April 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016174155/http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/img/climate/research/tornado/small/avgt5304.gif |archive-date=October 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The entire state averages over 60 days of thunderstorms a year, more than any other state except Florida. Louisiana averages 27 [[tornado]]es annually. The entire state is vulnerable to a tornado strike, with the extreme southern portion of the state slightly less so than the rest of the state. Tornadoes are more common from January to March in the southern part of the state, and from February through March in the northern part of the state.<ref name="Annual average number of tornadoes"/> Louisiana is partially within the area of tornado activity called [[Dixie Alley]], and the state has tornadoes which tend to be unpredictable but localized.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mathewson |first=Kent |title=The Louisiana Field Guide: Understanding Life in the Pelican State |date=2014 |publisher=[[Louisiana State University Press]] |isbn=978-0-8071-5776-3 |editor-last=Orgera |editor-first=Ryan |chapter=The Geography of Louisiana |editor-last2=Parent |editor-first2=Wayne}}</ref>

{| class="toc sortable" style="text-align: center; font-size: smaller;"
|+ Average temperatures in Louisiana (°F/°C)
|-
! || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Jan{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Feb{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Mar{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Apr{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}May{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Jun{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Jul{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Aug{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Sept{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Oct{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Nov{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Dec{{spaces|2}} || data-sort-type="number" | {{spaces|2}}Annual{{spaces|2}}
|-
! [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]]<ref name="Shreveport">{{cite web
  |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=shv
  |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data
  |publisher = National Weather Service Forecast Office, Shreveport, LA, [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
  |access-date = February 21, 2012
|archive-date = June 27, 2015
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150627103535/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=shv
  |url-status = live
  }}</ref>
| {{cvt|47.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|50.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|58.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|65.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|73.4|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|80.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|83.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|83.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|77.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|66.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|56.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|48.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|65.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|-
! [[Monroe, Louisiana|Monroe]]<ref name="Shreveport"/><!--Shreveport Regional Airport-->
| {{cvt|46.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|50.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|57.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|65.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|73.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|80.4|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|76.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|66.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|56.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|48.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|65.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|-
! [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]]<ref name="Shreveport" />
| {{cvt|48.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|52.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|59.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|66.4|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|74.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|80.7|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|83.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|83.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|78.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|58.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|50.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|66.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|-
! [[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]]<ref name="Lake Charles">{{cite web
  |url = http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lch
  |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data
  |publisher = National Weather Service Forecast Office, Lake Charles, LA, [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
  |access-date = February 21, 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160822005550/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lch
  |archive-date = August 22, 2016
|url-status = live
  }}</ref><!--Lake Charles Regional Airport-->
| {{cvt|51.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|55.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|61.4|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|75.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|81.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|83.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|78.7|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|70.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|61.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|53.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|-
! [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]]<ref name="Lake Charles" /><!--Lafayette Regional Airport-->
| {{cvt|51.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|55.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|61.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|75.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|81.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.8|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|78.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|69.7|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|61.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|53.7|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|-
! [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]]<ref name="Baton Rouge">{{cite web
  |url = http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lch
  |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data
  |publisher = National Weather Service Forecast Office, New Orleans/Baton Rouge, LA, [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
  |access-date = February 21, 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160822005550/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=lch
  |archive-date = August 22, 2016
|url-status = live
  }}</ref><!--Baton Rouge area-->
| {{cvt|51.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|54.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|61.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|67.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|75.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|80.7|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|78.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|60.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|52.9|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|68.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|-
! [[New Orleans]]<ref name="Baton Rouge" /><!--New Orleans Audubon-->
| {{cvt|54.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|57.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|63.6|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|70.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|77.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|82.4|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|84.0|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|84.1|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|80.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|72.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|63.5|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|56.2|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}} || {{cvt|70.3|F|C|abbr=values|disp=x|/}}
|}