A significant shift in weather conditions is expected across Rapides Parish over the coming days, with a Winter Storm Watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon as freezing rain, icy roads and dangerously cold temperatures move into the area.
Cloudy skies will dominate the remainder of the workweek, with mild temperatures on Friday before a sharp drop late Friday night. Thursday is expected to be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of afternoon showers and highs in the mid-60s. Rain chances increase Friday, with temperatures cooling to around 60 degrees during the day Friday.
Conditions are forecast to deteriorate rapidly Friday night as much colder air moves in. Rain showers are expected to become more widespread after midnight, with lows falling into the mid-30s. Northeast winds will strengthen, with gusts up to 25 mph, setting the stage for hazardous weather through the weekend.
Saturday is expected to bring steady rain and much colder conditions, with temperatures holding in the upper 30s throughout the day. Rain is forecast to continue into Saturday night, transitioning to freezing rain as temperatures fall into the lower 20s. Ice accumulation between one-tenth and four-tenths of an inch is possible, which could lead to slick roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Freezing rain is expected to continue into Sunday morning, with a mix of freezing rain and rain showers possible later in the day. Highs on Sunday are expected to remain in the lower 30s. Cold conditions will persist Sunday night, with overnight lows between 15 and 20 degrees.
The cold snap will continue into early next week, with highs only in the mid-30s Monday and overnight lows dropping into the teens. Temperatures will gradually moderate by midweek, with highs reaching the upper 40s by Wednesday.
In addition to the Winter Storm Watch, a cold weather advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through noon Sunday due to dangerously low wind chills, which could dip as low as 12 degrees. These conditions increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Residents are urged to delay travel during the weekend if possible. Those who must travel should use extreme caution, allow extra time, and remain alert for sudden changes in road conditions. Officials also advise ensuring vehicles are winterized, checking on elderly neighbors and family members, bringing pets indoors, and using space heaters safely.
Weather conditions will continue to be monitored as the weekend approaches, and additional advisories or warnings may be issued as confidence in the forecast increases.