A *WINTER STORM WATCH* has been issued for the entire viewing area from late Monday through Tuesday evening. Heavy snowfall is possible over the northern half of the area and heavy mixed precipitation is possible over the southern half of the area. Snow accumulations between between 3 to 6 inches along and north of the Interstate 10/12 corridor will be possible, with 2 to 4 inches south of this line. Snow accumulations might be limited in some areas (especially south) due to the presence of mixed precipitation. Ice accumulations less than 1/4 inch north and around a 1/4 inch south possible. Just like with rainfall, there may be isolated higher amounts.  Accumulations are still subject to change.

Use the weekend to make final preparations for dangerous cold ensuring people and pets will have access to warmth and pipes are wrapped. Monitor the forecast for updates on the possibility of snow, sleet and freezing rain next week.

Today & Tonight: Other than a few showers early Saturday, most of the day should be dry. Highs will make it to the lower 70s under mostly cloudy skies. The much anticipated cold front will move through in the evening, and our temperatures will tumble. Lows tonight will be in the upper 30s, with wind chills in the 20s. Make sure to dress in layers if headed out early on Sunday.

Louisiana Marathon: Runners in the Louisiana Marathon will face drastically different conditions depending on which day they're competing. 5k and quarter marathon runners on Saturday should prepare for wet pavement and temperatures in the mid to upper-60s, whereas half and full marathon contestants will face sunshine with temperatures near 40°. 

Arctic Blast: Highs will only rise into the 40s on Sunday, but likely feel 5-10° cooler because of a brisk north wind. Skies will be sunny.

Lows will at least dip into the mid 20s next week, which is known as a hard freeze. At these temperatures, exposed, outdoor pipes could rupture if not wrapped. In addition to that, a slow drip of inside faucets overnight could also help in preventing damage. Especially at night, wind chills or feels-like temperatures will be dangerously low, as low as the low teens at times only recovering into the 20s and 30s by day. Highs will be in the 40s most afternoons, but wintry precipitation could result in even colder highs on Tuesday.

The potential “main event” of this Arctic Blast will be with a storm system on Tuesday. This system is expected to move generally west to east across the Gulf of Mexico sending a plume of moisture across the frigid air mass. The signal, or likelihood, for snow has continued to increase. The Storm Station places about a 70-80% chance of measurable snow across the Capital Area. Subtle changes in track are still possible and could alter the forecast. Some locations might expect to see plain rain while others could mix in sleet and ice. Expect fine tuning of those details, including timing and amounts by location in the coming days.

Be sure to watch for updates from the Storm Station, especially over the weekend as things come into focus. Also, make sure to have a way to receive weather alerts, as many regarding the incoming cold temperatures and wintry weather will likely be issued in the coming days. 

Get the latest 7-day forecast and real time weather updates HERE.

Watch live news HERE.

– The Storm Station Meteorologists

The Storm Station is here for you, on every platform. Your weather updates can be found on News 2, wbrz.com, and the WBRZ WX App on your Apple or Android device. Follow WBRZ Weather on Facebook and X for even more weather updates while you are on the go.