Lake Charles, LA – Dry conditions hold for much of Wednesday, but the National Weather Service warns that unsettled weather will return to Louisiana’s coast beginning Thursday and lasting through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service Lake Charles office, rain chances increase Thursday, peaking Friday and Saturday near the Atchafalaya Basin and along coastal waters. While showers and thunderstorms are expected, forecasters say rainfall totals will likely remain low and may not ease ongoing drought conditions.
Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate as east-to-northeast winds strengthen. By Friday, winds may reach 15–25 knots with seas building 2–5 feet, increasing to 2–6 feet on Saturday. Tides are forecast to run about one foot above normal, raising the risk of coastal flooding in low-lying areas. Officials caution that winds and seas will be higher in and near thunderstorms.
Inland, daytime highs will remain in the upper 80s to low 90s across cities including Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Beaumont, with nighttime lows dropping into the 60s and 70s. While moisture levels rise, forecast models suggest only spotty showers inland compared to heavier coastal activity.
Residents and boaters are urged to monitor forecasts closely, especially those with plans on the Gulf waters between High Island, Texas, and the Lower Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, where conditions will worsen heading into the weekend.
