Once below-freezing temperatures hit Southwest Louisiana later tonight, the area is not expected to climb above freezing again until Thursday.

National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Donald Jones said that means the area will experience between 50-60 consecutive hours below freezing.

Jones said the region will climb into the upper 30s to near 40 degrees this afternoon before quickly falling back below freezing around sunset.

He said snowfall totals of 2-6 inches are most likely south of U.S. 190 although localized amounts as high as 10 inches are realistically possible. Snow totals are expected to be lower north of U.S. 190 with 2-4 inches most likely.

“With temperatures not rising above freezing until Thursday afternoon, whatever snow accumulates on Tuesday will not begin to melt until then,” Jone said.

He said most of the snow the area receives will likely melt Friday through some areas could keep their snow as late as Saturday.