Mardi Gras: A History of Unique Weather

news image
Special Stories
13 Feb 2018 5:47 PM
It's that time of year. Love is in the air, and beads are flying through it. It's the rare year when Cupid gets his arrow ready just in time for the big party in the Big Easy. But as thousands take to the streets, I can't help but wonder... Where did these people get the forecast and what on earth inspired some of those outfits? https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156247474594874/ Myth Debunked Alcohol does not keep you warmer. Argument over. Skip the extra drink and go for the extra layer of clothing instead. There is a large part of the Mardi Gras festivities that is family oriented. So you may, in fact, find yourself more comfortable in more ways than one. Notable Weather Can you believe that we've kept record of the weather on Fat Tuesday dating all the way back to 1874!? To save you a bunch of dull reading, I've grabbed a few highlights from the National Weather Service:
  1. Feb 25th, 1879 — Cancelled due to yellow fever. (Not weather but interesting)
  2. Feb 14th, 1899 — 3" of snow & coldest on record at 38º max temp and 22º low.
  3. Feb 20th, 1917 — Warmest Mardi Gras on record at 83º.
  4. Mar 1st, 1927 — Wettest Mardi Gras on record with 2.12" of rain.
  5. Feb 9th, 1932 — Tied record maximum temperature at 83º.
  6. Feb 28th, 2006 — First Mardi Gras following Hurricane Katrina
  7. Mar 4th, 2014 — Coldest Mardi Gras in March at 42º max temp and 35º low.
  8. Feb 28th, 2017 — Warmest minimum temp at 71º.
  9. Feb 13th, 2018 — 66º max temp, 48º low, 0.11" of rain.
Other Notable Facts
  • Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter.
  • While we all talk about Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras actually lasts weeks. With parades and events around the city, it is more of a family affair than a drunk fest.
  • Weather won't stop the festivities! Only in the event of dangerous weather (severe storms) will organizers cancel or reschedule festivities.
Any other questions? Head to this website for more details! For WeatherNation — Meteorologist Jeremy LaGoo
All Weather News
More
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across The South Friday

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across The South Friday

A frontal boundary stretched across half of t

2 May 2025 12:40 PM
Big Pattern Shake Up for the West Upcoming

Big Pattern Shake Up for the West Upcoming

A huge digging upper level low is heading fro

2 May 2025 11:55 AM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby Week Events

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby Week Events

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

2 May 2025 11:30 AM
Flooding Threat Continues in Oklahoma Friday Morning

Flooding Threat Continues in Oklahoma Friday Morning

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

2 May 2025 3:00 AM
Storms Back in the Ohio Valley and Northeast Tonight

Storms Back in the Ohio Valley and Northeast Tonight

OHIO VALLEY - After a very stormy and wet mon

2 May 2025 2:50 AM
Rain For Denver, Snow For The Mountains

Rain For Denver, Snow For The Mountains

A cold front and area of low pressure slide t

1 May 2025 12:25 AM
Rain This Week Douses Fire Concerns Today

Rain This Week Douses Fire Concerns Today

Fire weather concerns have been all too commo

29 Apr 2025 6:40 PM