Climate

Weather Vs. Climate Weather Climate Current conditions of the atmosphere (temperature, wind, and precipitation) Is the long term weather pattern of a region. It is affected by latitude and altitude. Gulf of Mexico affects climate in S. Louisiana

Louisiana’s Climate: Humid subtropical – hot summers, mild winters, and abundant precipitation. Florida Parishes receives more rain than any other area Northwest Louisiana receives the least North Louisiana has higher temperatures than South Louisiana (Gulf of Mexico – cooling effect)

Hurricanes: Comes from the Indian word Huracan (Indian God) Enormous violent storms (start in the moist air over warm waters like the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean) Hurricane Season: June 1st – November 30th. Major Hurricanes: Audrey (1957), Betsy (1965), Andrew (1992), & Katrina (2005).

Tornadoes Tornadoes are violent wind storms created by thunderstorms. (“Eye” = dangerous part of storm) Tornadoes can occur anytime of the year. Most common in the spring when cold fronts collide with warm moist air. Northwest Louisiana gets hit by more tornadoes – Tornado Alley. Tornado Alley is not clearly defined, its core is northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.