Louisiana — Gray clouds press low over southwest Louisiana this morning, and damp air clings to the streets. The breeze feels mild now, but colder air is already lining up to the north. What starts as a wet, almost springlike pattern will turn sharply wintry by the weekend.
Today brings mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers across Lake Charles. Temperatures climb into the upper 60s, and a few heavier showers could briefly reduce visibility this afternoon. Roads may stay slick at times, especially during heavier bursts.
Tonight stays cloudy and humid, with occasional showers lingering. Thursday offers little relief. Clouds remain thick, and spotty showers continue as highs push near 70 degrees again. It feels unusually warm for late January, but the pattern is unstable.
By Friday, the shift begins. Showers become more widespread, and winds turn northeasterly late in the day. Cooler air filters in Friday night, dropping temperatures quickly into the 30s. Wet pavement will need close watching as colder air deepens.
Saturday raises the biggest red flag. Rain is likely, and colder air may support freezing rain Saturday night. Temperatures fall into the mid-20s, and even light icing could create hazardous travel conditions. Bridges and overpasses would ice first, especially after dark. Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary nighttime driving.
Sunday stays cold and unsettled. A mix of rain and freezing rain remains possible early, then slowly tapers. Highs struggle to reach the lower 30s, keeping any ice slow to melt. Flash freezing could linger into early Monday mornings.
Looking beyond the weekend, the 6–10 day outlook favors below-normal temperatures across much of the eastern U.S., including Louisiana. Additional precipitation chances return next week as colder air remains in place.
Five-Day Outlook for Lake Charles, Louisiana
Today: Showers possible, high near 68.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, slight showers, high near 70.
Friday: Showers, cooler late, high near 68.
Saturday: Rain, turning icy at night, high near 42.
Sunday: Cold with rain/freezing rain possible, high near 33.
