Louisiana – Cold air settles heavily across southwest Louisiana this morning, frosting windshields and stiffening palms before sunrise. The chill feels out of place near the Gulf, but it is sharp enough to demand layers even for short trips outside.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through midday. Wind chills have fallen into the upper teens to mid-20s, creating a risk for frostbite with prolonged exposure. Officials warn extended freezing temperatures could damage exposed pipes across the region.
In Lake Charles, temperatures dropped into the lower 20s early, with calm winds allowing cold air to pool near the ground. Roads remain mostly dry, but bridges and elevated surfaces cooled rapidly overnight. Drivers should stay alert for isolated slick spots during the morning commute, especially before sunshine fully warms pavement.
Relief arrives quickly later today. Skies turn sunny, and afternoon temperatures rebound toward the upper 40s. Wednesday brings a dramatic warmup, with highs pushing into the mid-50s under bright skies. Despite warmer afternoons, nights remain cold enough for patchy frost, keeping plants and plumbing vulnerable.
By Thursday, winter loosens its grip. Highs climb into the lower 60s, and clouds increase ahead of a chance for showers Thursday night into Friday. Gusty winds may accompany that system, but temperatures stay well above freezing.
Looking toward the weekend, conditions settle into a cooler but manageable pattern. Sunshine returns, with highs near 40 Saturday and upper 40s Sunday. Longer-range outlooks suggest colder-than-normal air lingering across parts of the central U.S. into early February, though southwest Louisiana trends closer to seasonal levels.
Limit time outdoors this morning, protect pipes, and bring pets inside. Heading out early? How cold did it feel where you are?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Tuesday: Sunny, very cold early. High near 49.
- Wednesday: Sunny and warmer. High near 56.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 61.
- Friday: Partly sunny, breezy. High near 49.
- Saturday: Sunny and cooler. High near 40.
