DESOTO PARISH, La. — A prolonged stretch of hot and mostly dry weather is expected across DeSoto Parish through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures remaining in the mid-to-upper 90s before rain chances increase early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Heat index values could reach as high as 103 degrees. Light and variable winds will become southeasterly at 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 76.
Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Mostly clear skies are expected Thursday night with a low around 72.
The hot and dry pattern continues Friday, with sunny skies and a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear with temperatures falling to around 71.
Saturday is expected to be sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Saturday night will remain mostly clear with a low around 74.
A slight chance of rain returns Sunday, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.
By Monday, rain chances increase to 40%, with showers and thunderstorms possible. Temperatures will moderate slightly, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 93.
With several consecutive days of temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s and heat index values reaching triple digits, residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from outdoor activities and limit strenuous work during the hottest portion of the afternoon.