A warming trend will continue across Rapides Parish through the remainder of the week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s by early next week and heat index values reaching as high as 110 degrees.
Wednesday will be partly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures will reach the upper 80s with southwest winds around 5 mph. Rain chances remain at 20 percent. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the lower 70s.
Thursday will be mostly sunny with highs in the lower 90s and south winds around 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear during the evening before becoming partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-70s.
Friday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid-90s. Heat index values could reach up to 105 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.
Saturday will remain mostly sunny with highs in the mid-90s and heat index values up to 105 degrees.
From Saturday night through Tuesday, mostly clear skies are expected with overnight lows in the mid-70s and daytime highs climbing into the upper 90s. Heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the prolonged heat by staying hydrated, avoiding extended periods outdoors during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable family members, neighbors and pets.