Louisiana – Frost glitters across rooftops and fields in southwest Louisiana as calm air and clear skies allow cold to settle in before sunrise. Cars scrape ice, breath hangs visible, and the morning carries an unusual winter bite along the Gulf Coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, temperatures dipped to around 29 to 30 degrees early this morning, producing widespread frost across Calcasieu and surrounding parishes. Light winds and high humidity created ideal conditions for frost formation, especially in open and low-lying areas.
In Lake Charles, conditions slowly improve after sunrise as sunshine takes hold. Highs rebound into the mid-50s this afternoon, helping melt frost quickly. Even so, drivers should remain cautious on bridges and shaded roads during the early commute, where slick patches can linger.
Another cold night follows tonight, with lows dropping into the lower 30s and patchy frost redeveloping after midnight. Thursday turns warmer, with highs near 60 and mostly sunny skies offering a brief taste of springlike air. That warmth does not last long.
By Friday, a reinforcing shot of cold air moves south. Gusty north winds develop, and temperatures fall sharply Friday night. Lows dip into the upper 20s, setting up another freeze risk heading into Saturday morning. Saturday stays sunny but cooler, with highs near the lower 40s.
This on-again, off-again winter pattern reflects a larger cold surge across the central and eastern United States. With the Great Lakes heavily frozen, Arctic air continues to press south in waves, keeping frost and freeze concerns active even along the Gulf Coast.
Residents should protect sensitive plants, check outdoor plumbing, and plan for repeated cold mornings through the weekend. Additional cold advisories may be issued if temperatures trend lower.
Five-Day Outlook for Lake Charles, Louisiana
Today: Widespread frost early, sunny, high near 54
Tonight: Mostly clear, patchy frost late, low near 32
Thursday: Mostly sunny, warmer, high near 60
Friday: Partly sunny and breezy, high near 51
Saturday: Sunny and cooler, high near 41
