It’s October in Louisiana, but you wouldn’t know it by stepping outside. Instead of crisp fall breezes and hoodie weather, students are sweating through 90-degree afternoons. For many, it feels like summer just won’t let go.
Louisiana is known for its unpredictable — or, as most locals say, bipolar — weather. One morning, you might grab a jacket on your way to school, only to regret it by lunchtime when the sun starts blazing. It’s not unusual for temperatures to begin in the low 60s and jump into the 90s before noon.“I am honestly not surprised, living here my whole life, the temperature fluctuates regularly,” said sophomore Nijah Mitchell
The constant back-and-forth between cool mornings and scorching afternoons leaves many unsure what to wear or how to prepare for the day. Some students bring hoodies for first period, then end up carrying them around the rest of the day like a burden.
Meteorologists say the warm weather this late in the year isn’t too surprising for Louisiana. The state’s humid subtropical climate means warm temperatures can linger long after other parts of the country have started pulling out sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes. However, even by local standards, October has been hotter than usual this year. Philosophy Professor Emily Cogburn stated, “ I feel like it’s the same ole same ole. Every October, I expect it to cool off, and it never does.”
The heat also takes a toll on outdoor activities. Football games, band practice, and P.E. classes all become a challenge when the sun beats down relentlessly. Some teachers and coaches try to adjust schedules or remind students to stay hydrated.“One minute it floods, and one minute it’s sunny. It’s just something you have to get used to down here,” Freshman, Tamira Wilson expressed, when asked about her feelings on Louisiana’s weather, “I don’t expect it to get cold until December, if that.”
While many are ready for the weather to cool down, longtime residents know better than to get their hopes up too soon. In Louisiana, the forecast is a constant guessing game. It could be sunny and 95 degrees one day, then raining and chilly the next. Locals joke that if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few hours — it’ll change.
Until that first real cold front rolls in, students will keep fanning themselves, hoping for a breeze, and dreaming of the day they can finally wear their favorite hoodies without breaking a sweat.
