Louisiana’s Next Cold Snap Arrives This Weekend – How Cold Will it Get?

(KMDL-FM) The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles is using a word in their forecast that we haven't seen used in a while. That word, rain. In fact, the words "excessive rain" are being used to describe the changes in the weather forecast for the end of the week. Yes, it will get colder, but how cold will it get in Louisiana behind the front?

This past weekend, much of Louisiana was treated to a beautiful fall weekend. Not only were the skies a brilliant azure color, but the temperatures were just right for gumbo, gatherings, and football. And while many in Louisiana have those same three activities on their agenda for this weekend, we probably won't experience quite the chill we felt for last weekend's festivities.

READ MORE: Weather Service Reveals Louisiana's Snow Potential for This Winter

READ MORE:  Is Your Home's Heater Ready for Winter? Use Our Checklist

As far as extreme weather goes, it's been fairly quiet in Louisiana in 2025. We did have that big snowstorm to start the year, but otherwise, we have had an average year when it comes to thunderstorms and tornadoes. The state did not experience any landfalling tropical systems this season either. So, if we're looking to count our blessings as we approach Thanksgiving, we certainly could.

As for today, Wednesday, most of Louisiana will spend the day warm and muggy, at least it will feel warm for November. The afternoon highs at many locations will be in the lower 80s. That's not a number most of us associate with "fall temperatures," is it?

Get our free mobile app

How Cold Will It Get in Louisiana This Weekend?

We can expect those above-normal temperatures to be with us through Friday afternoon. That is when rain chances will begin to build in across the state. The Weather Prediction Center says portions of the state could experience excessive rainfall events late in the day Friday as the storm system that is responsible for the change in the weather approaches.

As showers and storms move across the state from west to east during the day on Friday and into Friday evening, cooler air will begin to filter in behind the frontal system. Early morning temperatures on Saturday will be in the upper 50s and lower 60s for much of the I-10 corridor. You can expect cooler temperatures in northern Louisiana.

When Will it Rain in Louisiana?

Based on forecast observations, it appears as though Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge will likely experience their greatest threat of rain and storms during the afternoon hours of Friday. Depending on the timing of the storm system, this could affect high school football playoff games in the area and across the state. So check the forecast before you head to the game.

Afternoon high temperatures will be in the mid-70s across the region on Sunday, and overnight lows will be in the mid to lower 50s. Incidentally, as we look ahead to the Thanksgiving travel week, it looks as if weather conditions in the Gulf South will be conducive for traveling. The exceptions might be on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning when there will be a threat of storms.

Thanksgiving Day across Louisiana looks to be mostly sunny with a high temperature in the mid-70s, so if you need to set up an extra table in the garage or on the back patio, I think you'll be able to "say Grace" outside without any interference from Mother Nature.