NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Mardi Gras is just two weeks away, and a pattern change is coming.
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Warmer weather is ahead after weeks of cold Arctic blasts brought hard freezes and frigid parades.
The Climate Prediction Center outlook highlights the southern and central US for well-above-normal temperatures next week until Mardi Gras.
CPC Outlook(WVUE)
This Week
The warm-up will be slow through the weekend as another front comes through on Wednesday, dropping temperatures back to the 50s.
It will be frigid out the door Thursday with wind chills in the 20s and highs in the mid-50s.
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Friday is the last cold morning, starting with temperatures in the 30s, then quickly warming up to the 60s.
Parades on Friday night will have great weather with clear skies and conditions in the 60s falling to 50s.
Sunshine is the main story this weekend. Highs reach the upper 60s and low 70s each day. Low humidity continues making for a great spring feel.
Weekend Parades(WVUE)Weekend Parades(WVUE)
Next Week
Temperatures continue to climb the following week, even higher into the mid 70s as humidity slowly creeps back in.
Rain chances enter the forecast next Tuesday through Thursday with afternoon showers possible each day.
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A weather system that could bring rain and storms looks to move through around Friday, February 13th.
After it passes, a dip in temperatures to the 60s makes for a nice feel on Endymion Saturday.
A quick rebound back to the 70s comes Sunday, and remains through Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras.
Carnival Outlook(WVUE)
Into Mardi Gras
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Temperatures likely remain above-normal through Fat Tuesday, but another weather system could set up increasing rain chances during the week.
Timing on this system is still unclear at this time.
Continue to monitor the forecast as Mardi Gras gets closer, as this forecast is valid for one to two weeks.
Any forecast beyond one week will be more uncertain and should be treated as a trend providing guidance.
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