Residents of Winn Parish should keep umbrellas close at hand this week as forecasters predict daily chances of showers and thunderstorms through the Juneteenth holiday and into the upcoming weekend.
While temperatures will remain near seasonal averages in the upper 80s and low 90s, an unsettled weather pattern is expected to bring multiple opportunities for rainfall and thunderstorms across the parish.
Wednesday will begin with only a slight chance of showers before rain and thunderstorm activity becomes more likely during the late morning and afternoon hours. Skies are expected to remain partly sunny with a high near 88 degrees. South winds will increase throughout the day, reaching 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
Rain chances will continue Wednesday night, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after midnight. Overnight temperatures will remain warm, dipping only to around 76 degrees.
The greatest chances for rainfall arrive Thursday and Juneteenth, when forecasters predict a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms each day. High temperatures are expected to reach approximately 88 to 89 degrees, with periods of sunshine mixed with developing storm activity.
Thursday night will remain active with a 60 percent chance of additional showers and thunderstorms and lows near 75 degrees.
The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into the weekend. Friday night and Saturday both carry a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, while temperatures remain warm with highs near 89 degrees.
Rain chances begin to decrease Saturday night and Sunday, although isolated thunderstorms remain possible. Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees and only a 30 percent chance of precipitation.
By early next week, forecasters expect a return to hotter and drier conditions. Monday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing to around 95 degrees.
Residents planning outdoor activities for Juneteenth celebrations, sporting events, fishing trips, and family gatherings are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts throughout the week, as thunderstorms could develop quickly during the afternoon and evening hours.
Safety officials also remind residents to seek shelter immediately when lightning is present and to avoid driving through flooded roadways during periods of heavy rainfall.
As summer heat continues to build across North Louisiana, staying hydrated and remaining weather-aware will be important throughout the week.
With storm chances expected nearly every day through the weekend, Winn Parish residents may experience a mix of sunshine, heat, and scattered thunderstorms before hotter weather settles into the region early next week.