Louisiana is better known for sweltering summers, heavy humidity, hurricanes, and thunderstorms than for bitter cold. Winters are generally mild, especially across the southern half of the state.

Extreme heat has become one of the most pressing environmental hazards in Louisiana, a state already shaped by its subtropical climate and long history of weather‑driven vulnerability.

Louisiana's coastline is slowly disappearing, creating one of the state's most serious long-term environmental challenges. Unlike a hurricane or flood, which can cause destruction in a matter of hours, coastal land loss often happens gradually.

Storm surge is one of the most dangerous threats associated with coastal storms. While hurricanes are often remembered for their powerful winds and heavy rainfall, the rise of seawater pushed inland by a major storm can cause equally devastating destruction.

Louisiana is one of the most vulnerable states in the United States to extreme rainfall. Its warm, humid climate allows the atmosphere to hold large amounts of moisture, while tropical storms, hurricanes, and slow-moving weather systems can produce enormous amounts of rain in a short period of time.

Severe storms form one of the most persistent and destructive forces shaping life across the Gulf South, especially in Louisiana’s vulnerable coastal and river‑valley landscapes.

Tornadoes are a persistent part of Louisiana’s severe‑weather environment, forming during powerful thunderstorms, cold fronts, and tropical systems.

Flooding has been one of the most powerful and destructive natural hazards in the history of the Mississippi River Valley and Louisiana.

Louisiana is a state known for its rich culture, beautiful wetlands, and location along the Gulf of Mexico. However, its geography also makes it especially vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms.