Rapides Parish is heading into an extended stretch of unsettled weather, with repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected from Wednesday through at least Tuesday, according to the latest forecast.
Conditions begin midweek with a partly sunny sky on Wednesday, but scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop by the afternoon. High temperatures will reach the mid 80s with light southeast winds around 5 mph. Rain chances increase to 70 percent.
Wednesday night will remain mostly cloudy with additional showers and thunderstorms possible, as lows settle near 70 degrees and light winds continue.
By Thursday, the region shifts into a more active weather pattern. Partly sunny conditions early will give way to widespread showers and likely thunderstorms by the afternoon. Highs will again reach the mid 80s before falling into the upper 70s later in the day as rain coverage increases. Rain chances rise sharply to 90 percent.
Thursday night brings continued storm chances, with showers likely and lows in the lower 70s. Winds remain light out of the south.
The most significant impacts are expected Friday through the weekend, when repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms become more widespread. Friday stands out as a particularly wet day, with rain chances near 100 percent and high temperatures in the lower 80s. Additional showers and storms are expected Friday night with continued unsettled conditions.
The wet pattern persists into Saturday and Sunday, with both days featuring likely showers and thunderstorms and rain chances ranging from 70 to 80 percent. Highs remain steady in the lower 80s, while nighttime lows hold near 70.
Memorial Day and early next week are also expected to stay unsettled. Scattered to likely showers and thunderstorms continue through Monday and Tuesday, with highs in the lower to mid 80s and persistent rain chances between 50 and 80 percent.
Overall, Rapides Parish is looking at a prolonged period of wet, storm-prone weather, with multiple days of heavy rain potential and limited breaks in activity. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates, especially for outdoor plans and travel.