The National Weather Service in Jackson is warning of dangerous heat this week as high temperatures continue to linger over Mississippi. But the state is expected to get a slight break with cooler temperatures later this week.
“It’s always hot in the summertime, but this is going to be above average, even for Mississippi heat,” said Daniel Lamb, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. “Over the next few days we’re expecting heat index values to peak at 110 to even close to 120 at times across much of the state.”
Some areas will see actual temperatures well into the upper 90s and combined with the high humidity the state is experiencing, heat indices will be pushed dangerously high.
“When we see that combination, that’s when we see those heat index readings get very high,” Lamb said.
However, the state is expected to see a break from above-average heat. Shower and thunderstorm chances increase as the week goes on. Also, a weak cold front is expected to push down from the North.
“We’re very excited for later this week,” Lamb said. “Later this week we’ll see that trend downward.”
Mississippi will see dangerously high temperatures this week, but relief is on the way.
How to stay hydrated in dangerous heat
According to the American Red Cross, you need to drink enough water to prevent heat illness. An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily, but everyone’s needs may vary.
Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines.
You can check that you are getting enough water by noting your urine color. Dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough.
Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
National Weather Service forecast in, near Jackson
Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. Calm wind becoming west-northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. West-northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 112. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west-southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming north-northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Saturday Night: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
National Weather Service forecast in, near Hattiesburg
Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming north-northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Calm wind.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming north-northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. High near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Low around 75. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: More dangerous heat in MS, but cooler weather is coming. See when