Our hot, hazy and dry stretch continues

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at the week ahead

The summer heat continues across the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a strong ridge keeps skies mostly sunny and rain chances limited through the next several days.

Thursday will be another quiet and hot day with mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing into the mid 90s. With the humidity in place, making it feel significantly warmer, heat index values could reach around 105 degrees.

The hottest days of the forecast arrive Friday and stick around through early next week. Highs will remain in the mid to upper 90s, with temperatures approaching 98 degrees Monday and Tuesday. Heat index values will likely climb well above 105 degrees during the afternoon, so outdoor plans may require extra precautions.

A few changes arrive this weekend as isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms become possible on both Saturday and Sunday, but coverage will remain limited. Most areas will stay dry, though any storms that develop could bring brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.

Warm and muggy nights will continue, with overnight lows only falling into the mid to upper 70s, and the lack of overnight cooling will allow heat to build day after day.