An Arctic explosion swept into the southeastern United States on January 19, 2025, bringing record-low temperatures and historic snowfall. New Orleans experienced its coldest temperature since 1940 at 26 degrees, while Baton Rouge saw temperatures drop to 19 degrees, the lowest since 1935. Lafayette recorded a chilling 4 degrees, setting a new record since 1893. Snowfall was significant, particularly in Texas, where Beaumont Port Arthur received 4.5 inches, marking a record since 1901. Louisiana experienced its highest snowfall on record, with Baton Rouge receiving 7.6 inches and New Orleans 8.0 inches. Alabama recorded 7.5 inches, and Florida saw a substantial 10 inches near Pensacola.
The winter storm resulted in numerous records being set across the southern states, with snowfall surpassing that of many northern cities like Chicago. This unusual weather pattern was influenced by a jet stream dip, allowing cold, dry air from the North Pole to combine with moisture from the Gulf. Experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to such extreme winter weather, as polar vortex disruptions can lead to these unusual cold snaps and increased snowfall in the southern U.S., despite an overall decreasing frequency of extreme cold events.
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