Louisiana greets the morning under a steel-gray sky as cold air sweeps across the marsh and stiff winds ripple the surface of the Calcasieu River. Breath turns visible, wind cuts through jackets, and cars start slowly in the unusual cold.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through Tuesday morning for portions of central and southwest Louisiana and nearby southeast Texas. Wind chills have dropped into the single digits to lower teens, creating a risk of frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
In Lake Charles, temperatures sit in the mid-20s early with north winds gusting over 20 mph. Even as sunshine increases later today, cold air remains locked in place. Any moisture on roads may refreeze quickly after sunset, raising the risk of slick spots on bridges and overpasses, including I-10 and elevated local roadways near waterways.
Drivers should reduce speeds and remain alert for sudden icy patches, especially during early and late travel periods. Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and bring pets inside. Exposed pipes should be wrapped or allowed to drip slowly to prevent freezing, a rare but serious concern for the region.
Cold conditions ease gradually by Tuesday afternoon as highs climb into the upper 40s. Wednesday brings a noticeable warm-up with sunshine and highs in the low 50s. By late week, temperatures rebound into the mid-50s with dry conditions holding through Friday. Longer-range outlooks suggest quieter weather into early February as precipitation chances drop and milder air spreads across the Southeast.
For now, winter still has a firm grip. Watch for icy patches and protect against the cold. How cold did it feel where you are this morning in Lake Charles?
Five-Day Outlook for Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 47°, cold early
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 53°
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 56°
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 49°
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 43°
