Natchitoches Parish is expected to see a period of unsettled weather this week, with widespread rain followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential for freezing rain and sleet beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend.
Rain chances will increase significantly on Wednesday, with showers expected throughout the day and precipitation chances near 100 percent. Showers are expected to continue into Wednesday night, with a slight chance of thunderstorms and overnight lows near 50 degrees. Cloudy conditions and scattered showers may linger into Thursday, particularly during the morning hours, before rain chances begin to decrease.
Cloudy skies and isolated showers are expected on Friday, with daytime highs in the mid-50s. Conditions are forecast to deteriorate Friday night as temperatures fall into the upper 20s. Rain is expected to transition into freezing rain after midnight, creating the potential for icy roadways and hazardous travel. Precipitation chances Friday night are around 80 percent.
More significant winter weather impacts are possible on Saturday, with a mix of rain showers, freezing rain, and sleet expected throughout the day. Sleet is forecast to become more likely during the afternoon, though little to no accumulation is currently expected. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the upper 30s, with precipitation chances near 90 percent.
Freezing rain is expected to continue into Saturday night, with lows falling to around 20 degrees. A lingering chance of freezing rain remains into Sunday, with cold conditions persisting and highs reaching only the mid-30s. Overnight temperatures Sunday night are expected to drop into the 15 to 20 degree range.
Cold but drier weather is forecast to return on Monday, with partly cloudy skies and highs around 40 degrees.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, particularly during the weekend when freezing rain and sleet could impact travel and outdoor activities across Natchitoches Parish.
