A rush of arctic air is expected to invade Southwest Louisiana during the first full week of 2025.

National Weather Service Lake Charles meteorologist Andrew Tingler said there is ” increasing confidence” that a much colder airmass will move into the eastern United States next week.

The colder airmass will be the second one the U.S. receives in the new year.

Two areas of high pressure are driving the bitter cold south from Canada into the eastern half of the U.S. The first pattern change — expected on New Year’s Day  — is expected to sink temperatures nearly everywhere east of the Rocky Mountains.

After that first round of cold temperatures, two more rounds of arctic air will dive from Canada, setting up parts of the U.S. for a long-lasting arctic outbreak of freezing temperatures.

The chill will take hold in the Deep South by Jan. 7, plunging temperatures across the Gulf Coast states with lows in the upper 20s.

“Some of the coldest air of the season will be possible down to the Gulf Coast and across the southeast U.S.,” Tingler said.

Tinger said residents have plenty of time to get prepared, making sure cold weather clothing is on hand, heating systems in the home work, exposed pipes and faucets are wrapped, plants are covered and pets are sheltered.

“In the meantime, cool but near normal temperatures are anticipated with chances of rain anticipated Thursday and thunderstorms on Sunday and Sunday night,” Tingler said.