Freezing temperatures will return Saturday and Sunday mornings, followed by an extended period of showers and thunderstorms beginning Monday.

National Weather Service Lake Charles Storm Warning Coordinator Doug Cramer said a cold Canadian air mass is expected to spread across the region on Friday.

“Temperatures will respond by falling below freezing on Saturday and Sunday mornings,” Cramer said. “Temperatures are likely to drop to or below 25 degrees for areas along and north of Interstate 10.”

Temperatures are expected to be about 26 in Lake Charles, 21 in Oakdale and Leesville and 28 in Cameron Saturday morning and 28 degrees in Lake Charles, 21 in Oakdale, 22 in Leesville and 31 in Cameron Sunday morning.

He said sensitive vegetation could be damaged from these freezing temperatures if left exposed.

Cramer said the chances for excessive rainfall are increasing across portions of Southwest Louisiana next week.

“Forecast analysis is now suggesting a 30-60 percent chance for reaching or exceeding 4 inches of rainfall from Monday through Thursday,” Cramer said. “Additional rain could occur after Thursday, which would increase rainfall totals further.”