Residents in Natchitoches Parish can expect mild and breezy conditions through midweek, followed by increasing rain chances and a noticeable cool down by the end of the weekend.

This afternoon will remain mostly cloudy with highs in the lower 70s. South winds around 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph.

Wednesday brings continued cloud cover and warmer temperatures, with highs reaching the upper 70s. Southwest winds will range from 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Mostly cloudy skies persist Wednesday night as lows settle into the lower 60s.

Thursday remains mostly cloudy with a slight, 20 percent chance of afternoon showers. Highs will reach the upper 70s, while southwest winds increase to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. A 20 percent chance of showers continues Thursday night with lows in the upper 50s.

Rain chances remain in the forecast Friday, with mostly cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of showers. Highs will reach the mid-70s. Friday night carries a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms with lows again in the upper 50s.

Saturday presents the best opportunity for rain, with a 40 percent chance of showers and a slight chance of morning thunderstorms. Highs will top out in the mid-70s under mostly cloudy skies.

A significant cool down arrives Saturday night as temperatures drop to around 40 degrees under partly cloudy skies.

Sunday will be mostly sunny but cooler, with highs near 60. Overnight lows Sunday night will fall into the mid-30s under mostly clear skies. The new workweek begins Monday with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the upper 50s.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware heading into the weekend as rain chances increase and much cooler air settles into the region.