Brrr! Cold heading our way

Less than two weeks after a hard freeze that extended for several nights, Teche Area residents should prepare for another, according to meteorologist Andy Patrick at the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.

Patrick said much colder temperatures set in today and continue through much of next week following a cold front that moved through the region late Thursday afternoon.

Tonight’s low is forecast to be 34 degrees, Patrick said. The first wave of extreme cold is expected Saturday night, when the low will be around 26,  he said.

Prescott Marshall, Office ofHomelandSecurity and Emergency Preparedness director for Iberia Parish, reminded residents to take precautions to protect exposed pipes, plants and pets.

Sunday night’s low should be even colder, Patrick said in his report at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, noting a forecast of 23.

Highs today, Saturday and Sunday are expected to range from 44-50, he said.

There is a 20-30 percent chance of rain Tuesday with a low of 33. Wednesday’s low will be 28.