Lake Charles, Louisiana – Showers and thunderstorms are expected to affect major roadways Tuesday afternoon and evening as a cold front moves through the region, increasing rain chances across Southeast Texas and central to southwest Louisiana.
According to the National Weather Service office in Lake Charles, rain probabilities increase sharply Tuesday afternoon ahead of the front, with many locations seeing peak chances between 70% and 90%. The highest rain coverage is expected along and south of Interstate 10, including Lake Charles, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Lafayette, and New Iberia, before shifting east overnight.
Timing graphics from the National Weather Service show rain chances peaking between noon and 9 p.m. Tuesday along I-10, US-90, and I-49, with scattered thunderstorms possible. No severe weather is expected, but brief heavy rainfall may reduce visibility for commuters during the evening drive.
Rainfall totals are expected to average between one-quarter and one-half inch, with locally higher amounts possible under stronger showers. Forecasters note that rain chances decrease rapidly after midnight as the cold front exits the area, with most locations drying out by early Wednesday morning.
Behind the front, cooler air will settle in. Overnight low temperatures Wednesday night are forecast to drop into the lower to mid-30s across parts of central Louisiana, including areas near Alexandria and Leesville. A light freeze is possible in some inland locations, though forecasters do not anticipate hard freeze conditions.
High temperatures rebound gradually after midweek, with dry weather and warming conditions expected Thursday through the weekend. This shift may benefit commuters and outdoor plans after Tuesday’s brief but widespread rain event.
