Residents of Natchitoches Parish can expect a warm and increasingly windy midweek stretch before a slight rain chance moves through Thursday, followed by a return to sunshine heading into the weekend.

Today will be mostly sunny with highs reaching the upper 60s. South winds will range from 10 to 15 mph, setting the stage for a warmer pattern.

Wednesday brings mostly cloudy skies and windy conditions, with highs climbing into the upper 70s. South winds will increase to 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph at times.

Thursday remains mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the morning and a better chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs will again reach the upper 70s, with southwest winds between 10 and 15 mph. Rain chances stand at 40 percent during the day and decrease to 30 percent Thursday evening. Cooler air moves in overnight, with lows dropping into the lower 50s.

By Friday, sunshine returns with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s. Clear conditions Friday night will allow temperatures to dip into the upper 40s.

The weekend looks pleasant, with mostly sunny skies Saturday through Monday. Highs will remain in the upper 70s, while overnight lows settle into the lower 50s.

Overall, the forecast points to a warm and breezy midweek period, a brief opportunity for rainfall Thursday, and a dry, mild weekend ahead.