Weather Outlook: Dangerous heat continues through early next week

Hot summer weather will continue across Natchitoches Parish through early next week, with afternoon high temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values climbing as high as 111 degrees on Wednesday.

Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 90s. North winds will range from 5 to 10 mph, and the afternoon heat index could reach 111 degrees. Overnight, skies will remain mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday will be partly cloudy with highs in the mid 90s. A slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is expected, with a 20 percent chance of rain. Northeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph during the morning. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid 70s.

Friday will bring another hot day with highs in the mid 90s. Partly cloudy skies and a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected, with a 20 percent chance of rain. Overnight lows will remain in the mid 70s under partly cloudy skies.

Saturday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid 90s and another slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances remain at 20 percent. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 70s.

Sunday will be mostly sunny and hot with highs in the mid 90s. Sunday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s.

The hot pattern will continue into Monday with mostly sunny skies and highs reaching the upper 90s.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses as dangerous heat continues across the parish.