Lake Charles, Louisiana - An arctic air mass is moving into southwest and central Louisiana Friday evening, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures, below-freezing nights through the weekend, and dangerous wind chills, according to a cold weather advisory in effect from early Saturday through Sunday morning.

Forecasters expect very cold conditions across all of central, south central, and southwest Louisiana, as well as southeast Texas, with wind chills cold enough to be hazardous to people and pets. No significant precipitation is expected, but the combination of low temperatures and brisk north winds will make the air feel much colder than the thermometer reading.

Advisory Details And Timing

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday. During this period, an arctic-origin cold air mass will settle over the region behind a passing cold front, reinforcing the already chilly conditions.

Low temperatures are forecast to drop sharply both Saturday and Sunday mornings:

• Saturday morning lows:
• About 21 to 31 degrees across the advisory area
• Sunday morning lows:
• About 16 to 23 degrees, making Sunday the colder of the two mornings

Wind chill readings — a measure of how cold it feels to exposed skin when wind is factored in — will add to the danger:

• Saturday morning wind chills: 10 to 20 degrees
• Sunday morning wind chills: 15 to 22 degrees

Forecasters note that brisk north winds behind the cold front will help drive these wind chill values into the teens and lower 20s for all of central and southwest Louisiana, as well as southeast Texas.

How Cold It Will Feel: Wind Chills In Teens And 20s

Beginning Friday night and continuing into Saturday morning, wind chills are expected to drop into the teens to lower 20s area-wide. Even though the actual air temperatures will be in the 20s and lower 30s in some locations, the persistent north wind will make it feel noticeably colder.

Such wind chill values can be hazardous, especially for anyone not dressed appropriately or exposed to the cold for long periods. Exposed skin can become numb quickly, and extended exposure may increase the risk of cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia, especially among vulnerable groups like older adults, young children, and people without adequate shelter.

Officials recommend that if residents must go outside, they should dress in layers, including a hat and gloves, and cover as much exposed skin as possible.

Local Temperature Breakdown

Forecast lows vary somewhat by location, with areas north of major corridors turning colder for longer:

Friday Night Into Saturday Morning

• North of the Interstate 10 corridor:
• Lows generally in the low to mid to upper 20s
• Along and south of the Interstate 10 corridor:
• Lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s

This means inland locations away from the immediate coast will see more intense and longer-lasting freezing conditions, while coastal areas will still be very cold but may not remain below freezing quite as long.

Hours Below Freezing: Friday Night–Saturday Morning

The length of time temperatures remain at or below 32 degrees is a key factor for risks such as pipe damage and stress on plants and outdoor infrastructure. Forecasts call for:

• 7 to 12 hours below freezing
• North of the Highway 190 corridor
• 3 to 7 hours below freezing
• From the Highway 190 corridor to the Interstate 10 corridor
• Along the Highway 90 corridor in lower Acadiana

Shorter durations of freezing temperatures reduce but do not eliminate the risk of damage to unprotected pipes and sensitive vegetation.

Hours Below Freezing: Saturday Evening–Sunday Morning

The second night of this cold spell appears even more significant in terms of how long temperatures remain below freezing:

• 12 to 18 hours below freezing
• Along and north of the Interstate 10 corridor
• Along the Highway 90 corridor in lower Acadiana
• 5 to 10 hours below freezing
• Along the coast of Jefferson County, Texas
• Along the coasts of Cameron and Vermilion parishes in Louisiana

These longer freezes, especially inland and along Highway 90, increase the risk of frozen pipes, stressed or damaged crops and landscaping, and potential impacts on livestock and outdoor pets if not adequately sheltered.

No Major Precipitation, But Significant Cold Hazard

Forecasters indicate that no significant precipitation is expected through the weekend. That means the region is not currently facing ice, sleet, or snow concerns from this event.

However, the lack of precipitation does not reduce the danger of the cold itself. Hazardous temperatures and wind chills will persist through Sunday night, emphasizing that this is a cold-weather safety event more than a travel or flooding event.

Conditions are expected to begin moderating on Monday, with temperatures slowly climbing as the arctic air mass retreats and winds ease.

Safety Guidance: The “Four Ps”

Officials are urging residents to take care of the “four Ps”: people, pets, pipes, and plants. While the phrase is simple, the steps can prevent real problems over a weekend like this one.

People:

• Dress in lightweight, warm layers rather than a single heavy coat
• Cover all exposed skin, including hands, ears, and face
• Limit time outdoors, especially late at night and early in the morning
• Check on older neighbors, young children, and anyone who may not have reliable heat

Pets:

• Keep pets indoors as much as possible
• Provide warm, dry shelter, bedding, and unfrozen water if animals must remain outside
• Avoid leaving pets in cars, which can become dangerously cold quickly

Pipes:

• Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and faucets
• Allow indoor faucets to drip slowly in especially vulnerable or poorly insulated homes
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warmer air circulate around pipes

Plants:

• Bring potted plants indoors or into a garage or shed if possible
• Cover sensitive outdoor plants with breathable fabric or frost cloth
• Avoid using plastic directly on plant leaves, which can trap moisture and cause additional damage

These precautions become more important as freezing temperatures last longer, particularly in areas expecting 12 to 18 hours below freezing on Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate focus is on the dangerous cold through Sunday morning, forecasters say a warming trend is expected to begin on Monday. Daytime highs should gradually climb, and nighttime lows are expected to ease out of the deep-freeze range as the arctic air mass moves away.

Until then, residents across Louisiana and neighboring southeast Texas are urged to prepare now, limit exposure to the cold, and protect vulnerable people, animals, and property from the extended freezing conditions.

Cold Weather Advisory for Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1