Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas – A dangerous Arctic cold outbreak is expected to intensify across the western Gulf Coast early next week, prompting an Extreme Cold Watch following a Cold Weather Advisory already in effect this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Cold Weather Advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through noon Sunday, with wind chills ranging from 13 to 26 degrees across parts of central and southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. Conditions are expected to worsen Sunday night as colder air moves in.
An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from Sunday evening through Monday morning, when wind chills could plunge to 0 to 10 degrees. The affected area includes cities such as Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Opelousas, Morgan City, Jasper, and Sulphur, along with surrounding rural and coastal communities.
Forecasters warn that exposure to these temperatures can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, especially during overnight and early morning hours. The extended duration of freezing conditions also raises concern for ruptured water pipes, agricultural impacts, and stress on vulnerable populations.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, keep pets indoors, protect outdoor plumbing, and check on elderly neighbors. Officials stress safe use of space heaters and warn against using generators or grills indoors. Conditions will be closely monitored as the Arctic air settles across the region.
