Louisiana – Frost sparkles across lawns and windshields this morning as a hard freeze locks in across southwest Louisiana. The air feels sharp. Breath clouds instantly. Early drivers face cold-soaked pavement as temperatures struggle to climb.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Freeze Warning and Cold Weather Advisory remain in effect until 10 a.m. Wind chills dipped into the teens, with actual temperatures near 26 degrees at Lake Charles Regional Airport shortly after daybreak. Calm winds now limit wind chill, but exposed skin still cools quickly.
Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, Allen, and Jefferson Davis parishes sit squarely in the cold zone. Sensitive plants face damage. Outdoor plumbing remains vulnerable. Residents are urged to drip faucets, cover plants, and bring pets indoors. Frostbite remains possible with prolonged exposure.
As the sun rises higher, conditions improve steadily. Afternoon highs reach the upper 40s with bright sunshine. Any frost melt could refreeze later tonight, especially on bridges and low-lying roads. Use caution during early Monday travel.
Relief builds quickly next. Patchy frost lingers early Monday, then temperatures rebound into the mid-60s. Tuesday turns milder and more humid, with highs near 68 and increasing cloud cover. Showers become more likely Tuesday night into Wednesday as Gulf moisture returns, though severe weather is not indicated.
This cold snap ties into a larger eastern U.S. winter pattern, driven by deep arctic air. Nationally, cold weather impacts have turned deadly in recent weeks. Locally, conditions improve fast, but early precautions remain critical.
How cold did it feel where you stepped outside this morning?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Lake Charles, Louisiana
Monday: Patchy frost early, then sunny; high near 65
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy; high near 68, showers late
Wednesday: Chance of showers early; high near 60
Thursday: Morning frost possible, then sunny; high near 58
Friday: Sunny and milder; high near 68
