Residents can expect another week of typical summertime weather across Rapides Parish, with hot temperatures, high humidity and recurring afternoon thunderstorms through early next week.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High temperatures will reach the mid-90s, while heat index values could climb as high as 106 degrees. Winds will be light, shifting from the north around 5 mph during the morning to the east in the afternoon.
A 50 percent chance of evening showers and thunderstorms continues Wednesday night before skies become partly cloudy. Overnight lows will settle in the mid-70s with light and variable winds.
Thursday brings a brief break from the rain as sunny skies return with highs in the lower 90s. East winds will remain light around 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.
Friday will be mostly clear and hot, with highs climbing back into the mid-90s. Heat index values may again reach 105 degrees before temperatures fall into the mid-70s Friday night under mostly clear skies.
Independence Day will be sunny and hot, with highs in the mid-90s. A 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms could interrupt outdoor celebrations, and heat index values are expected to approach 105 degrees. Saturday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.
Rain chances increase Sunday as mostly sunny skies give way to scattered morning thunderstorms and likely afternoon storms. Highs will remain in the mid-90s with a 60 percent chance of rain and heat index values near 105 degrees. Skies will gradually clear Sunday night with lows in the mid-70s.
The unsettled pattern continues Monday with mostly sunny skies and a 60 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the lower 90s before clearing conditions return Monday night.
Tuesday will finish the forecast period with mostly sunny skies, highs in the mid-90s and a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Heat index values will once again approach 105 degrees.
With dangerously high heat index values expected throughout the week, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and monitor the forecast for developing thunderstorms, especially if planning outdoor holiday activities.