Louisiana – Cold air slides in quietly, but the impact builds fast. Frost stiffens grass before sunrise, while rivers continue rising from recent rain. In southwest Louisiana, winter cold and flooding are overlapping, creating a weekend that demands attention.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from early Saturday morning through midday. Wind chills could drop as low as 12 degrees across parts of central and southwest Louisiana, including the Lake Charles area. Prolonged exposure could lead to frostbite or hypothermia without proper protection.
Saturday morning starts near freezing, with north winds adding bite. Highs recover into the lower 40s, but the cold remains uncomfortable. Anyone traveling early should dress in layers and allow vehicles time to warm up. Gusty winds may also affect high-profile vehicles on I-10 and the I-210 loop.
At the same time, a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Sabine River near Deweyville. Minor flooding is expected as the river crests near 24 feet early Saturday, then slowly falls below flood stage by Sunday afternoon. Low-lying areas near the river may experience water over access roads and fields through the weekend.
Saturday night turns colder again, with lows near the lower 20s. Frost becomes widespread, posing risks to pets, plants, and exposed plumbing. Sunday brings sunshine and a gradual warm-up, with highs reaching the upper 40s. River levels remain elevated into Monday morning, even as cold conditions ease.
Looking ahead, temperatures rebound into the 60s early next week, while rain chances return by midweek. Until then, plan for cold mornings, monitor river conditions, and avoid flooded areas.
Traveling near the river or feeling the cold where you live? Share what you’re seeing around Lake Charles.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Lake Charles, LA
Today: Frost early, then mostly sunny, high near 61
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, colder late, low near 38
Friday: Partly sunny, breezy, high near 52
Saturday: Sunny but cold, high near 40
Sunday: Sunny and milder, high near 47
