Lake Charles, La. – Drivers across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas should prepare for repeated rounds of heavy rain through Tuesday, with localized flash flooding possible as tropical moisture fuels widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a surge of deep Gulf moisture interacting with a stalled frontal boundary will produce widespread rainfall through Tuesday. Forecasters have highlighted a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 4) for excessive rainfall Sunday, a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) Monday, and another Marginal Risk Tuesday. Heavy rainfall rates could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, especially in urban areas and locations that receive multiple rounds of storms.
The highest rain chances are expected Monday, when probabilities range from 80% to 100% across communities including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Beaumont, Alexandria, Opelousas, DeRidder and Jasper. Rain chances remain elevated Tuesday at 70% to 90% before gradually decreasing Wednesday and Thursday.
Localized flash flooding is the primary concern through Tuesday, particularly along low-lying roads, poor drainage areas and neighborhoods prone to standing water. Motorists should expect rapidly changing travel conditions during heavier downpours and should never drive across flooded roadways.
Temperatures will remain below typical mid-July levels early this week, with afternoon highs generally ranging from the lower 80s to upper 80s before warmer weather returns later in the week. Rain chances decrease to 20% to 40% Wednesday and 10% to 20% Thursday, allowing a return to a more typical summertime pattern.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, as additional Flood Advisories or Flash Flood Warnings may be issued if heavy rainfall becomes more persistent.
Five-Day Forecast for Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Sunday: High 87–93°, Low 73–79°. 50–90% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
- Monday: High 81–87°, Low 71–77°. 80–100% chance of widespread showers and thunderstorms.
- Tuesday: High 83–89°, Low 71–78°. 70–90% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
- Wednesday: High 87–91°, Low 72–79°. 20–40% chance of scattered storms.
- Thursday: High 89–95°. 10–20% chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms.
