Lake Charles, LA – Southwest Louisiana is waking up to dense fall fog and rising heat, creating early travel slowdowns and signaling an unusually warm stretch heading into the weekend. Forecasters say drivers along I-10 and surrounding rural routes should prepare for reduced visibility, slick bridges, and longer commute times through midmorning.
Foggy Start Creates Early Travel Hazards
Pockets of dense fog settled over southwest Louisiana before sunrise, clinging to low-lying fields, overpasses, and open stretches of highway. According to the National Weather Service Lake Charles office (NWS), visibility may drop sharply in spots until the fog lifts later in the morning.
Transportation officials with LaDOTD urge drivers to use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and allow extra time for morning travel. Elevated ramps and bridges are especially prone to moisture buildup, creating brief slick patches during peak fog hours.
Warm, Humid Air Building Through the Weekend
Forecasters say today’s fog is the result of warm, humid Gulf air moving across cooler ground surfaces overnight. Once the sun breaks through, temperatures will rise quickly.
By today and Saturday, highs will climb to the upper 70s and low 80s, giving residents a window for outdoor activities, yard cleanup, or early holiday decorating before the pre-Thanksgiving travel push.
NWS meteorologists expect the warmth to continue into Sunday as light south winds strengthen, adding even more humidity to the atmosphere.
Increasing Clouds Sunday Ahead of a Pattern Shift
A weak boundary from Texas pushes closer on Sunday, increasing cloud cover across the region. While no significant rainfall is expected, models indicate a subtle pattern shift early next week.
This warm-to-cool transition usually sparks isolated fog events around sunrise over the next few mornings, especially across open farmland and low drainage areas.
Despite the changes, NWS guidance confirms that temperatures remain well above freezing, posing no threat to pipes, plants, or outdoor infrastructure. Residents traveling north, however, may encounter stronger cold snaps and even early-season wintry weather in parts of the central U.S.
Weather Risks and Regional Outlook
Meteorologists emphasize that although Louisiana faces no snow or freeze threat, the broader national pattern shows developing early-winter energy across the Plains and Midwest. Travelers planning early holiday routes should monitor updated forecasts, as shifting systems could impact long-distance travel next week.
South Louisiana remains dominated by warm Gulf air, keeping conditions mild but humid. Fog potential remains elevated during early mornings, particularly in rural areas, wet fields, and near waterways.
Five-Day Forecast for Lake Charles, LA
Friday: 79/58 – Morning fog with slow travel near I-10; sunny by midday.
Saturday: 80/59 – Bright, warm, and slightly hazy at sunrise.
Sunday: 82/61 – Humid with increasing clouds; weak boundary late.
Monday: 83/67 – Sunny and warm; light south wind.
Tuesday: 86/66 – Breezy, warm, and humid; late clouds signal next pattern shift.
Conclusion
Southwest Louisiana will experience a foggy start followed by unseasonable warmth through the weekend, creating both early travel hazards and comfortable outdoor weather. With minor pattern changes ahead and increased humidity, residents should remain alert for morning fog and monitor forecast updates as Thanksgiving approaches.
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