Lake Charles, Louisiana – A strong Canadian cold front is expected to move through Lake Charles and the rest of Southwest Louisiana late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, bringing a brief but intense blast of Arctic air to the region.

Forecasters say temperatures will fall sharply on Sunday, December 14, with much colder air settling in through Sunday night and into Monday morning, December 15. The forecast is valid for Southeast Texas, Central Louisiana, and Southwest Louisiana.

Timing Of The Front

The cold front is expected to cross the area late Saturday night, December 13, and early Sunday morning. Behind the front, temperatures will continue to drop through the day Sunday and into Sunday night.

By Sunday night into Monday morning, most of the region will be experiencing subfreezing conditions, with many locations staying below 32 degrees for several hours.

Expected Temperatures And Wind Chills

An Arctic-type air mass arriving behind the front will deliver some of the coldest air of the season so far:

• Sunday Night / Monday Morning Lows
• Low to mid-20s north of the Interstate 10 corridor
• Upper 20s to lower 30s along and south of I-10
• Duration Below Freezing
• 5 to 12 hours below freezing north of the I-10 corridor
• 4 to 8 hours below freezing along and just south of I-10
• 1 to 3 hours below freezing near the coast

Wind chills, which combine air temperature and wind speed to show how cold it feels on exposed skin, are expected to drop into the teens Sunday night into Monday morning. Multiple hours of subfreezing temperatures and these low wind chills will create hazardous cold conditions, especially for people who are outdoors without adequate protection.

No Wintry Precipitation Expected

Despite the strong cold front and Arctic air, no wintry precipitation is expected during the period when temperatures are at or below freezing.

Light to moderate rain is expected ahead of the front, but forecasters note that any leftover moisture should dry out before the freezing temperatures arrive. Sunshine and strong north winds behind the front are expected to help dry surfaces, reducing concerns about ice on roads and bridges related to this event.

Impacts: People, Pets, Pipes, And Plants

Cold temperatures and low wind chills will be hazardous, particularly Sunday night into Monday morning. The main impacts will be to:

• People: Those without proper heating or cold-weather gear, including the elderly, young children, and people who work or spend extended time outdoors, will be most vulnerable.
• Pets: Animals that normally stay outside will need shelter, bedding, and extra protection from the cold.
• Pipes: Exposed or poorly insulated pipes may be at risk of freezing, especially north of I-10 where subfreezing durations will be longest.
• Plants: Sensitive vegetation could be damaged or killed by several hours of hard freeze conditions.

Residents in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeQuincy, Vinton, Westlake, Iowa, Moss Bluff, Carlyss, Gillis, Hayes, Prien, Starks, and the rest of Calcasieu Parish and surrounding areas are urged to make preparations ahead of the cold outbreak. That includes checking home heating systems, wrapping exposed pipes, protecting outdoor plants, and making sure pets have a warm place to stay.

Marine Conditions: Strong North Winds

Marine interests will also feel the impact of the front. Behind the boundary, strong north winds are expected over area lakes and coastal waters:

• North winds of 20 to 25 knots
• Gusts over 30 knots possible during Sunday and Sunday night

These conditions will create rough seas and hazardous conditions for small craft. Boaters and those with plans on area waterways should monitor conditions closely and consider delaying trips until winds and seas subside.

Short-Lived But Strong Cold Outbreak

While the cold air will be intense, forecasters describe the event as brief. Temperatures are expected to moderate by midweek as the Arctic air mass moves east and south away from the region.

Still, the combination of subfreezing temperatures, extended duration of the freeze north of I-10, and wind chills in the teens makes this a significant cold event for Southeast Texas, Central Louisiana, and Southwest Louisiana.