Louisiana’s humid, subtropical climate makes snow a truly unusual occurrence. The state’s low latitude and the powerful moderating influence of the Gulf of Mexico keep winter temperatures well above freezing for most of the season. Precipitation during cooler months almost always falls as rain, meaning a proper snowfall requires a specific and powerful alignment of cold air and moisture.
The Statistical Rarity of Snowfall
The statewide average annual snowfall for Louisiana is exceptionally low, often registering around 0.1 to 0.2 inches, a figure comparable to the averages seen in Florida and Hawaii. This low accumulation underscores the infrequency of winter storms cold enough to produce frozen precipitation that reaches the ground. For official reporting, “measurable snowfall” is defined as an accumulation of 0.1 inches or more, an amount that much of the state does not see every year. The necessary meteorological conditions involve a deep trough of low pressure drawing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico while simultaneously pulling intensely cold, Arctic air southward, a setup that is uncommon. Even when snow falls, the warm ground and air temperatures often cause it to melt quickly, preventing significant accumulation.
Geographic Differences in Frequency
The frequency of snow varies considerably across Louisiana, largely dictated by latitude and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. North Louisiana, encompassing the Shreveport and Monroe areas, has a climate that is more transitional toward the continental patterns of the Great Plains. This region experiences measurable snowfall more often, typically averaging an event of 0.1 inches or greater about once every two years, with Shreveport seeing an average of 0.7 to 0.9 inches annually.
Central Louisiana, near cities like Alexandria, sees decreased frequency, though the area still records slightly higher annual averages than the coast, sometimes around 0.4 inches. In South and Coastal Louisiana, including New Orleans and the Gulf Coast parishes, the maritime influence is strongest. These areas often record an annual average of 0.0 inches of snow, and multiple consecutive years can pass without receiving any measurable snowfall. The closer a location is to the Gulf, the warmer the ambient air remains, making a snow event a once-a-decade occasion.
Historical Context of Major Snow Events
While snow is rare, Louisiana has been impacted by several historically significant, high-accumulation events that illustrate the potential for extreme weather. The most famous is the Great Snow of 1895, which brought record-setting totals across the state, including an unconfirmed 16 inches in Vermillion Parish and over a foot in Baton Rouge. This massive system was part of a deep cold snap that affected the entire Gulf Coast region.
More recently, major snowfalls have been notable because of their relative infrequency. The Shreveport area saw 11 inches of snow during a December 1929 storm, which resulted in a rare white Christmas. In the modern era, events like the December 2017 winter storm brought up to 6 inches of snow to parts of South Louisiana, causing widespread closures. Such storms require exceptionally cold air to penetrate unusually far south while coinciding with a robust moisture source, creating a rare combination that can briefly transform the state’s mild landscape into a winter scene.