Living in Marksville isn't just about knowing if you need a jacket or an umbrella. It’s about navigating that weird transition between the humid subtropical delta air and those sudden Arctic surges that sneak down the Mississippi Valley. Honestly, if you've spent even one winter here, you know the "official" forecast sometimes feels like a polite suggestion rather than a rule.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, we’re sitting at a crisp 47°F. It feels more like 42°F though, thanks to a steady 12 mph wind coming straight out of the north. It’s mostly cloudy, which is pretty much the standard January vibe for Avoyelles Parish.
What’s actually happening right now?
Right now, the humidity is sitting at a relatively low 39%. That’s why it feels "dry-cold" instead of that bone-chilling dampness we usually get when the Gulf moisture starts creeping back up. There’s a tiny 10% chance of rain today, but don't hold your breath for a downpour. It’s mostly just grey.
Tonight is where things get interesting. We’re looking at a low of 31°F. That’s right at the freezing mark. Interestingly, the forecast mentions a 5% chance of snow overnight. Before you go looking for your sled, remember this is Central Louisiana—it’s probably just going to be a few stray flakes that vanish before they even hit the pavement.
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The Week Ahead: A Wild Temperature Rollercoaster
If you hate the cold, just wait a few days. The weather for Marksville Louisiana is basically a mood swing this week.
- Sunday, January 18: It’ll be sunny but cold. High of 46°F and a low of 30°F. Definitely a day for the heavy coat if you’re heading out to Tunica-Biloxi.
- The Warm-Up: By Thursday, we’re hitting a high of 63°F.
- The "Spring" Peek: Next Saturday, January 24, it’s supposed to hit 70°F. From 30°F to 70°F in less than a week? That’s just how we live here.
Basically, you’ve got to keep the space heater and the AC remote in the same drawer.
Understanding the Marksville Microclimate
Marksville sits at an elevation of about 72 feet. It doesn't sound like much, but in the flatlands of Louisiana, those few feet matter for drainage and how fog settles in the morning. We’re in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a now, which was a shift from the old 8b maps. This means our average annual extreme minimums are usually between 20°F and 25°F.
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Historically, January is our wettest month, averaging about 5.26 inches of rain. We aren't seeing that today, but the end of the month looks like it’ll make up for it. By Monday, January 26, the rain chances jump to 75% overnight.
Surviving the "Freeze-Thaw" Cycle
When the temperature dips to 31°F like it's doing tonight, you've gotta think about the "Three Ps": Pipes, Plants, and Pets.
- Pipes: Even though it’s just a light freeze, older homes in the historic district might have exposed plumbing. A quick wrap goes a long way.
- Plants: If you’ve got citrus or tropicals, bring 'em in. Zone 9a is forgiving, but a 30-degree night will still bite.
- Pets: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for 20 minutes, it's too cold for your dog to be out all night.
Looking Toward February
Don't let the sunny skies on Monday fool you. February is statistically the cloudiest month in Marksville, with overcast skies nearly 48% of the time. We’re heading into that stretch where the "grey" just sort of stays.
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Honestly, the best thing you can do is prep for the rain coming late next week. The humidity is going to spike back up to 100% by Sunday the 25th, which usually means heavy fog on Highway 1 and potentially some slick roads during the morning commute.
Keep your eye on the north wind. As long as it's blowing from that direction, we stay dry. Once it flips to the south/southeast—which it will by Wednesday—expect the humidity to come roaring back.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your outdoor faucets tonight before the 31°F drop.
- Plan your outdoor errands for Monday or Tuesday when the sun is out and highs are in the 50s.
- Get your rain gear ready for the 75% chance of rain hitting next Monday.