The blast of arctic air expected to overtake the region Sunday is expected to last until at least Wednesday night — adding to an already cold January 2025.

“We will likely see subfreezing temperatures for long durations with hard-freeze conditions,” Rua said. “We will also likely see dangerous wind chills.”

Most of the area will enjoy milder temperatures on Friday, but the warmup will be brief as a polar vortex will send temperatures tumbling over the weekend.

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It always exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter, according to the National Weather Service. The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the poles. Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream.

Rua said uncertainty remains as to how much winter precipitation Southwest Louisiana could receive during this polar vortex.

“Guidance is still showing different scenarios,” he said. “It all comes down to a development of a Gulf low, the strength and track of the low, and how much moisture and lift will move into the cold air mass, and the depth of the cold air mass. Sounds a bit complex and it is.”

At time time, there is a 30 to 50 percent probability for “some winter precipitation” from Monday night into Wednesday morning.

“It is still too early to talk about exact accumulations, and what, if any, and where the impacts from winter precipitation will be,” Rua said. “From past experience, it might not be until 48 hours or less (late Saturday/Sunday) until the winter precipitation is expected to fall on Monday night before we have enough confidence in the forecast.”

Lake Charles has a 25 percent chance of experiencing a hard freeze Monday morning. That number increases to 60 percent for Tuesday morning.

The Louisiana Department of Health has reported one winter weather-related death this year: a 65-year-old-male in Rapides Parish who died due to hypothermia. In 2024, there were three winter weather-related deaths, two of which were attributed to hypothermia.

LDH advises residents to stay indoors during extreme cold. If outside, wear layered clothing, a hat and gloves and carry a cell phone in case of an emergency. Resident are also asked to check on neighbors, children, older adults and chronically ill individuals.