Residents can expect a pleasant start to the week with sunshine and seasonable temperatures before increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms arrive for the weekend, according to the latest forecast.
Wednesday will feature mostly sunny skies and a high near 85 degrees. Light northeast winds around 5 mph will help keep conditions comfortable throughout the day. Wednesday night is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures falling to around 66 degrees.
Similar weather is forecast for Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and afternoon temperatures once again reaching the mid-80s. Overnight lows Thursday night will settle near 68 degrees under partly cloudy skies.
The first signs of unsettled weather arrive Friday, when a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 1 p.m. Despite the possibility of rain, much of the day is expected to remain mostly sunny with highs around 86 degrees. Friday night will bring mostly cloudy conditions and a slight chance of lingering thunderstorms, with temperatures holding near 71 degrees.
Rain chances increase significantly over the weekend. On Saturday, forecasters predict a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the morning, becoming more widespread during the afternoon hours. The chance of precipitation rises to 60 percent, with mostly cloudy skies and highs near 86 degrees.
Saturday night will remain mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms and lows around 72 degrees.
Sunday is expected to bring another round of active weather as showers and thunderstorms become likely across the parish. Partly sunny skies and warm temperatures near 87 degrees are forecast, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Any storms that develop could produce brief periods of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.
The unsettled pattern continues into the beginning of next week. Monday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs approaching 88 degrees.
The increased rain chances arrive just as many residents prepare for outdoor activities, community events, and recreational opportunities throughout the parish. Officials encourage residents to monitor local weather conditions, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours when thunderstorms are most likely to develop.
Residents attending outdoor events this weekend should have alternate plans in place and remain alert for changing weather conditions.
Overall, Claiborne Parish can expect a typical early-summer pattern of warm temperatures, increasing humidity, and scattered afternoon thunderstorms through the weekend and into next week.