Lake Charles, LA – A sharp blast of Arctic air is set to bring dangerous freezing temperatures to southeast Texas and much of Louisiana tonight, prompting Freeze Watches and Cold Weather Advisories across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a strong cold front has already moved through the area, with an Arctic-type air mass settling in late Sunday and persisting into Monday morning. Gusty north winds will usher in rapidly falling temperatures, creating hazardous conditions overnight.
A Freeze Watch is in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday for all of southeast Texas, as well as central, south-central, and southwest Louisiana. Forecast low temperatures are expected to range from 20 to 25 degrees north of Interstate 10, with 26 to 31 degrees along and south of I-10. Sub-freezing conditions may last 8 to 14 hours north of I-10, increasing the risk of damage.
In addition, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday, with overnight lows between 20 and 28 degrees. Wind chill values are expected to drop into the mid-teens to near 20 degrees, raising concerns for frostbite and hypothermia during prolonged outdoor exposure.
Meteorologists stress that while no precipitation is expected during the freeze, lingering moisture combined with falling temperatures could still pose risks to exposed plumbing and sensitive vegetation. The cold will be brief but intense.
Residents are urged to take precautions now by protecting pipes, bringing pets indoors, and covering outdoor plants. Officials also advise securing loose outdoor items due to strong winds ahead of the coldest temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to gradually improve later Monday, but officials warn that this Arctic outbreak could still have lasting impacts if precautions are not taken.
