Residents of Natchitoches Parish can expect hot temperatures through the Independence Day weekend, with daily highs in the 90s and increasing chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms as the weekend progresses.

Wednesday will begin with sunny skies before becoming partly cloudy during the afternoon. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected later in the day, with highs reaching the mid-90s. Rain chances are 20 percent. Wednesday night will remain partly cloudy with a slight chance of evening showers and thunderstorms and lows in the mid-70s.

Thursday is forecast to be mostly sunny with another slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the lower 90s with light winds becoming southeast around 5 mph during the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.

Friday will bring mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-90s, along with a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Skies will clear Friday night as temperatures fall into the mid-70s.

For Independence Day on Saturday, mostly sunny and hot conditions are expected, with highs in the mid-90s. There is a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms that could briefly interrupt outdoor celebrations. Saturday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s.

Rain chances increase on Sunday as partly cloudy skies give way to scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs will remain in the mid-90s with a 50 percent chance of rain. A slight chance of evening showers and thunderstorms will continue Sunday night.

The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into Monday, with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a 50 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will once again reach the mid-90s.