Discover Louisiana’s Coldest January on Record

Louisiana is well-known for many things, but cold weather is not one of them. Visitors flock there every year to get away from the northern cold. And most of the time, that journey proves successful. Unfortunately, even Louisiana has some bitterly cold days on the books, made all the worse by higher humidity. 

But how cold does it get in the state? Keep reading below as we take a look at Louisiana’s coldest January. Then, we will dive into the animals that live in the area. After all, not all were built for the deep cold!

What Was Louisiana’s Coldest January?

For the most part, Louisiana has a relatively balmy winter. The average low is 43 degrees Fahrenheit. And the average high is in the low 60s but varies slightly depending on the region. Those temperatures make sense, given that the southern part of the state sits on the Gulf of Mexico. Warm air currents from the south keep the temperatures at a comfortable level, even in the deepest part of winter.

However, the state is not immune to occasional blasts of cold air. For example, on January 21, 1985, Baton Rouge reached a brutal 9 degrees Fahrenheit. And although residents did suffer that day, it was only Louisiana’s coldest January, not the coldest winter day.

Previous single-digit days occurred on February 13 and 14, 1899 (2 degrees Fahrenheit and 7 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively). And on December 23, 1989, the temp dipped to 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the Coldest Day on Record in the US?

There are two different cold weather records for the United States. The first is for the continental United States. Rogers Pass, in Montana, holds the record for the coldest single day. It sits at 5,470 feet in elevation and had its thermometer nearly bottomed out on January 20, 1954. That day, the low was -70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The other cold weather record is for the United States as a whole. And it is probably not a surprise that the winner for this record is in Alaska. The coldest official single-day temperature recorded in the US was -80 degrees Fahrenheit on January 23, 1971.

What Animals Live in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge is a historically significant and thriving city in Louisiana. It also happens to be the state’s capital. Although the area has a deep and rich pre-history, it only got incorporated in 1817. It is strategically positioned on the Mississippi River’s eastern bank and is only a short drive from the Gulf. Its subtropical climate means the area has an incredibly diverse collection of animals. 

Mammals

Our mammal friends love the weather in Louisiana. So if you head out on a short drive into the countryside or go for a walk, you may encounter any number of critters, large and small. These include foxes, otters, opossums, bats, shrews, skunks, mink, bobcats, coyotes, muskrats, deer, beavers, armadillos, and ringtails.

Reptiles

Everyone knows that you must use caution when hanging out near waterways in the south. And Louisiana is no different. Wander near the rivers or streams around Baton Rouge, and you may encounter an alligator! But they aren’t the only reptile in the area. Turtles, snakes, lizards, and geckos abound.

Amphibians

Some of the littlest critters love the Baton Rouge area. They include toads, frogs, salamanders, and newts.

Birds

Perhaps the best part about Baton Rouge is its extensive collection of birds and waterfowl. The following is a small sampling of the many species you may see: Great Egret, American Robin, Green Heron, Eastern Bluebird, Downy Woodpecker, and Red-tailed Hawk. So, get your binoculars set for some spectacular bird-watching. You won’t be disappointed.

Other

Some other critters you may encounter around Baton Rouge include a wide variety of insects and arachnids. Plus, with over fifty types of fish making their way around lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, the fishing can’t be beaten! Keep your eyes peeled for Black Bullhead, Blue Catfish, Black Crappie, and European Carp.

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