Louisiana natives are used to extremes. From blistering heat and humidity during the summer months to extrodinarily spicy food, Louisiana residents have become accustomed to experiencing the extremes. But one thing the Pelican State rarely sees is extreme cold.Forecasts predict temperatures in the 30s or below through at least Tuesday, according to Barry Keim, Louisiana state climatologist. The forecast would mean a minimum of six more days of cold weather.The state is going through a cold front, soon to be joined by another. The two could result in this season’s lowest temperatures, Keim said.”Friday morning we’re looking at the coldest day of perhaps the entire season,” Keim said. “The forecast was for 25 in Baton Rouge.”Temperatures are expected to stay in the 20s or 30s through Tuesday, Keim said, noting this is typically the time of year when cold temperatures arrive.Jay Grymes, University Agricultural Center climatologist and WAFB chief meteorologist, said the cold would not bring record-breaking low temperatures or snow.The best formula for snow in southern Louisiana is the combination of cold and dry air characteristic of the North and warm and moist air characteristic of the Gulf of Mexico, according to Grymes. He said most cold weather in Louisiana is typically brought by cold, dry air. Despite the low temperatures being normal for January, Mark Mathewes, communication studies junior, is daydreaming of another Louisiana summer.”It’s too cold,” Mathewes said. “There’s a reason I live in the South. I can deal with heat better than I can deal with this cold.”Bob Wagner, National Weather Service meteorologist, said temperatures will be “considerably below freezing” Thursday and Friday night.Grymes called the weather “not all that uncommon” for southern Louisiana. As for Friday, Grymes said even temperatures in the 20s would not be considered out of the ordinary for a January cold front.”The upper-level flow is diving southward across the United States, and it’s allowing cold air to spill southward,” Grymes said. “Even if we get in the mid 20s … We usually see a handful of 20s every winter anyway.”Meredith Melton, anthropology senior, said she is enjoying the northern air while it’s here.”I’m trying not to complain [about the cold],” Melton said. “I know in a couple of months it’ll be replaced with heat and humidity.”Keim said people should take precautions to protect the three P’s — pets, plants and pipes — in below-freezing temperatures. Few plants will be affected by the freezing temperatures, according to Thomas Koske, horticulture professor.”There’s probably not a whole lot that’s frost-sensitive that is currently standing. Most of your [fall] things are either all dead or mostly dead,” Koske said. “Your winter garden is mostly going to be all right.”Root crops like potatoes and carrots will be unaffected, while foliage crops like lettuce might experience some frost burning, according to Koske. He said commercially grown strawberries will be protected.Dan Gill, consumer horticulture professor, said the on-campus landscaping is not likely to see any side effects from the cold.”As you walk around campus … There could be some damage, but I don’t think anybody’s going to notice a lot of damage,” Gill said.—-Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]