The Latest Freeze to Ever Impact The Lafayette Region

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Louisiana isn't known for its long winters, but at times, winter can stick around a bit longer than some would like.

Many of us in the south assume that once we get through February, winter is over and the colder days and nights are behind us, but that's not true.

While cold fronts beyond February may not be as strong or as frequent, cooler days and nights can persist into March and even beyond.

When to Plant Gardens in Louisiana

Knowing that, perhaps that is why the LSU Agriculture Center suggests that you not plant tender vegetation until mid-March (Usually not until March 15th). Sure, we see awarming trend once we get into March, but you cannot eliminate the possibility of one more strong cold front as we get into the Spring months.

Meteorologist Dave Baker recently posted some data on social media, and it caught my attention, as many of us are anxious to get into the yard and gardens. Our friend noted in his social media post that the latest freeze to ever impact Lafayette came on April 13, 1940.

While it wasn't a hard freeze on April 13, 1940, the temperature still dropped low enough to hit the freezing mark at 32 degrees. That had to have confused the trees and tender vegetation in 1940.

Keep in mind that those in the upper parts of Louisiana are more likely to see frost into March, and those in the southern part of the state are likely to see their last frost in late February.

If you'd like to see when your city or town can expect to see its last frost of the season, you can visit the Old Farmer's Almanac to study the average dates.

Let me ask, if you can't cook a gumbo until the first frost of the season, that's what social media says, can you not cook gumbo after the last frost of the winter season? You can let us know what you think in the comments section.