Louisiana Bracing For Another Round of Winter-Like Temperatures

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Spring is definitely in the air, but winter-like temperatures are set to return to South Louisiana.

Yes, you read that correctly: cold nights are set to return to the region. While it may not last long, it appears that winter just doesn't want to leave Acadiana. So, keep the space heaters out and don't put the gumbo pots away just yet.

We'll end Mardi Gras week on the warm and windy side, and we should have a nice weekend ahead, but a cool front arrives by Saturday. That front will lower temperatures by next week, and according to KATC's Rob Perillo, we may dip back into the 30s again.

The extended forecast calls for temperatures to drop by Sunday evening, February 22, 2026, and for a few nights, we may need to switch from the AC unit back to the heater.

By Sunday night, temperatues will be in the 40s, but come Monday and Tuesday next week, temperatures in Acadiana dip back into the 30s at night. If you've put away the thick jackets or heaters, you may need to pull them out of the closet one more time.

When I say Rob's forecast, I immediately thought of Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day. If you recall, Punxsutawney Phil saw its shadow, and as legend has it, that means we'd have six more weeks of winter, and perhaps that remains true.

Now the question remains: will the cold front sweeping through the area by early next week be the last strong cold front before Spring? I guess that we will have to sit back and wait, but one thing that is certainly on the horizon is much warmer days as we approach the start of Spring.

When Does Spring Start

Spring officially arrives on March 20 at 9;46 a.m. As for when we need to adjust our clocks and "Spring Forward, well, that comes on Sunday, March 8, at 2 am.

After the adjustment, there will be more daylight in the evenings and afternoons. Start planning what needs to be done in your yard or on the patio so you and your family can enjoy the longer daylight hours ahead.

Back to the cold front approaching the south, here's a look at Rob's extended forecast.

In another forecast, Meteorologist Zack Fredella says that the Deep South could see another freeze, which isn't good news for the tender vegetation you may have planted in your garden or flower beds.

While temperatures by next week may not be 'pipe-bursting,' you may need to cover your plants early next week and plan again to bring pets indoors.