A mix of clouds, warming temperatures and periodic rain chances is expected across Rapides Parish throughout the week, with highs climbing into the upper 80s by the weekend.

Wednesday will bring partly sunny skies with a 50 percent chance of showers and highs in the lower 80s. Conditions will turn partly cloudy Wednesday night with lows in the lower 60s.

On Thursday, mostly sunny skies are expected early, followed by a 50 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will remain in the lower 80s. Thursday night will turn mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s.

By Friday, clouds will give way to some sunshine, with a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and highs in the mid-80s. A chance of storms will linger into Friday night with partly cloudy skies and lows in the upper 60s.

The weekend will continue the warm and unsettled pattern. Saturday will start mostly cloudy before becoming mostly sunny, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs in the upper 80s. Sunday will follow a similar trend, beginning cloudy and turning partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of afternoon storms.

Looking ahead to Monday, skies will be cloudy in the morning, becoming partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs remaining in the upper 80s.

Residents should expect warm conditions with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon hours.