Will the MS Coast have record cold Mardi Gras this year? Here’s what historical data shows
It’s been a cold Carnival season on the Mississippi Coast this year, and with one of the region’s biggest celebrations fast approaching, residents are hoping the winter eases up.
Freezing cold temperatures remain in the forecast for this weekend even as many festivities happen across the Coast, according to the National Weather Service New Orleans.
“Some areas in the local area won’t even warm above freezing on Saturday,” the NWS New Orleans said in a Jan. 30 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
But how long will the cold hang around? And will the Coast have warmer temperatures for Mardi Gras?
Here’s what to know.
When is Mardi Gras 2026?
This year, Mardi Gras falls early, on Feb.17. The Carnival season is shorter this year because Easter is earlier, the Sun Herald reported.
How cold will the MS Coast be on Mardi Gras?
Good news for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the weather should warm up just in time for Mardi Gras, according to forecasters.
Accuweather experts predict a high of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 51 degrees Fahrenheit on Feb. 17. There is a chance of rain, according to the forecast.
Weather experts at The Weather Channel also expect warmer temperatures with a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 48 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the forecast.
When was the coldest Mardi Gras on the Coast?
If one thing is consistent, it’s not the weather on the Coast during Mardi Gras season. Over the years, we’ve had everything from extremely warm to snowy Fat Tuesdays.
The coldest Mardi Gras on record was in 2021 with a high of 33 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 25 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. The parade was canceled that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to records.
However, the coldest minimum temperature recorded on Mardi Gras was 22 degrees Fahrenheit in 1899, records show. New Orleans recorded 3 inches of snow and ice that day, the NWS said.
The coldest Mardi Gras in March happened in 2014 with a high of 42 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, according to records.
How to dress warm for Mardi Gras parades
The cold weather this weekend won’t stop the Mississippi Coast from letting the good times roll, but knowing how to dress warm is important to staying safe during the festivities.
Here are some tips on how to dress warm from the NWS:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, warm clothing
- Wear tightly woven, water-repellent and hooded outer garments
- Wear a hat to keep your head warm
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs
- Wear mittens or gloves that are snug at the wrist
- Stay out of wind and stay dry
