Louisiana winters are weird. You can wake up needing a heavy parka and be in short sleeves by lunch. Right now, if you are looking at the Monroe LA weather forecast, you are seeing exactly that kind of southern mood swing.
As of Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, it is about 50°F outside. It feels a bit nippier, closer to 46°F, thanks to a light breeze coming off the Ouachita. We’ve got clouds hanging low and a 40% chance of light rain moving in overnight. Basically, if you haven’t brought the plants in or checked the tire pressure yet, now is the time.
The Immediate Outlook: Fronts and Freezes
Wednesday is going to be a transition day. We are looking at a high of 60°F, but don’t let that sunshine fool you when it breaks through in the afternoon. A northwest wind is kicking in at 13 mph, and that is going to drag the floor out from under the thermometer. By Wednesday night, we are dipping down to 31°F.
That is the first real freeze of the week.
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Thursday, January 15, stays crisp. You’ll see nothing but sun, but the high won't even crack 50°F. It’s a "heavy coat" kind of day. If you’re heading out to Black Bayou or just walking across the ULM campus, that 30°F low on Thursday night is going to bite.
Wild Swings later in the week
- Friday: We bounce back. High of 63°F. It’s a beautiful, sunny day that feels like a totally different season than Thursday.
- Saturday: Another dip. Highs struggle to reach 49°F with a low of 31°F.
- Sunday: The coldest day in the immediate stretch. We are looking at a high of only 43°F.
What Most People Get Wrong About Monroe Winters
People think "Deep South" means "Tropical." Honestly, Monroe gets hit by those Arctic plunges harder than folks in New Orleans because we don't have the Gulf buffer.
According to historical data from the National Weather Service in Shreveport, January is statistically our coldest month. Average highs usually sit around 57°F, but the variability is the real story. We’ve seen years like 2024 and 2025 where rainfall totals for January went over 11 inches. That turns the ground into a swampy mess that holds the cold in.
Actually, the record rainfall for early January was just challenged last week. On January 8-9, 2026, a massive moist system dumped over 2 inches of rain in a 24-hour window across parts of the region. While we didn't see the flash flooding some feared—mostly because the soil wasn't frozen yet—the rivers are definitely running high.
Understanding the "Feels Like" Factor
Humidity in North Louisiana doesn't just make the summer miserable; it makes the winter "heavy." A 35°F morning in Monroe feels significantly colder than 35°F in a dry climate like West Texas. The moisture in the air clings to you.
Long Range: Rain or Snow?
The Farmers' Almanac and long-range model data for the Deep South suggest that late January might get interesting. Between January 22 and 24, there is a signal for colder air clashing with a moisture plume.
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While the "S-word" (snow) is rare here—usually just a dusting that shuts down I-20 for six hours—the forecast is leaning toward "chilly and wet" for the end of the month.
Precipitation is expected to be about an inch below the usual average for the month, but it’ll likely come in short, sharp bursts rather than long drizzles.
Practical Steps for the Next 48 Hours
If you're living in or traveling through the 71201 or 71203 zip codes, keep a few things in mind.
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- Drip the faucets Wednesday night. We are hitting 31°F, and while it's not a "deep freeze," older homes in the Garden District or closer to the river can be finicky.
- Layers are your best friend. Friday is a 30-degree swing from morning to afternoon. Wear a hoodie under a jacket so you don't overheat by 2 PM.
- Check the wind. Northwest winds in Monroe during January are dry and biting. If you’re working outdoors on Thursday or Saturday, cover your ears.
- Watch the river levels. If you live near the Ouachita or low-lying bayous, keep an eye on the drainage after the light rain tonight.
The Monroe LA weather forecast shows a classic roller coaster. Enjoy the 60-degree Friday, but keep the space heater ready for Sunday morning.
Stay warm, keep the umbrella in the backseat, and remember that in Northeast Louisiana, if you don't like the weather, you really just have to wait about twenty minutes for it to change.