“Pipe Freezing” Weather Next Week

We’ve talked about some of the rumor involving snow, you can read more on that here: Gulf Coast White Christmas?

But, let’s talk about the more likely impact from the cold coming next week, and that’s that danger to people, pets, and property from cold that we don’t see too often in the Southeast.

00z EURO for the morning of December 23rd

No doubt you’ve likely seen a version of this picture floating around. It shows an Arctic airmass coming straight down from the North Pole all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. That’s why you’re hearing so much about this cold and dangerously cold. At the same time we’re seeing, temperatures in the 10s and 20s, neighbors to the north will be in the 10s and 20s below zero! So this will be a life-threatening cold for the country.

In our neck of the woods, you should always check on the people around you to make sure they have what they need to stay warm, but outside pets and your exposed pipes are at risk from this one, too. So let’s take a look at it.

00z Euro Model Temperatures for 6am Friday

A strong cold front will come blasting through Thursday night and will send temperatures plunging into the 20s and low 30s. Some isolated 10s are even possible along and north of I-20.

00z Euro Model Temperatures for 6pm Friday

As you can tell, many areas are already back at or below freezing by 6pm Friday and temperatures will only cool from there. This means any temperatures above freezing will be short-lived and anything that doesn’t freeze will likely freeze by Saturday morning.

A Look at Highs and Lows for various locations

Hi and Lo Chart for Shreveport, LA (we’re focused on Friday morning through Saturday afternoon)

Hi and Lo Chart for Jackson, MS (we’re focused on Friday morning through Saturday afternoon)

Hi and Lo Chart for Monroe, LA (we’re focused on Friday morning through Saturday afternoon)

Hi and Lo Chart for Slidell, LA (we’re focused on Friday morning through Saturday afternoon)

So it’s pretty likely we’ll see some potential for frozen pipes without the proper precautions being taken. Make sure to wrap any exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, or leave your water trickling. Keep vulnerable people in mind and make sure they’re prepared. Protect any plants you don’t want to lose and make sure your pets are safe and warm!