Weather
Texas-Louisiana Fire Weather Watch: Dangerous Winds Friday Oct 16
Lake Charles, LA – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for portions of Louisiana and southeast Texas ahead of a strong cold front expected Friday, October 16. Forecasters warn that gusty winds, low h
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-15T00:52:52.156Z
Lake Charles, LA – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for portions of Louisiana and southeast Texas ahead of a strong cold front expected Friday, October 16. Forecasters warn that gusty winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions could create an increased risk of rapidly spreading wildfires heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, the Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 11 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday, primarily affecting areas along and north of Interstate 10.
Communities near Alexandria, Leesville, DeRidder, Oakdale, Opelousas and Lafayette are among the areas highlighted in the watch. Portions of southeast Texas, including areas near Jasper, are also included.
The cold front is expected to move through early Friday, bringing little rainfall but noticeably stronger north winds. Sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph could produce gusts reaching 35 mph, while relative humidity may fall to approximately 35%.
These conditions, combined with dry vegetation and existing drought, could allow fires to ignite and spread quickly.
Fire weather concerns are expected to develop Friday afternoon and evening, with dangerous conditions potentially continuing into Saturday.
The front will also bring a significant temperature change.
Thursday afternoon highs are forecast to reach the upper 80s and lower 90s. By Saturday, temperatures should fall into the lower 70s across much of the region.
Alexandria could drop from 91 degrees Thursday to 73 Saturday, while Lake Charles is expected to cool from 89 to 73 degrees.
Overnight temperatures may fall into the 40s and 50s in some communities by Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service strongly discourages outdoor burning during this period. Residents should avoid activities producing sparks or open flames and properly dispose of cigarettes.
A Fire Weather Watch indicates that critical fire weather conditions are possible, not that a wildfire is currently burning.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts and possible additional fire weather alerts through Saturday.