Hot and mostly dry pattern continues

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at the week ahead

South Mississippi is heading into a period of hot and mostly sunny weather, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s this weekend and heat index values pushing well above 100 degrees.

Tonight will be quiet with partly cloudy skies and temperatures falling into the mid 70s. Winds will stay light as they shift from the south to the west overnight.

Saturday will be mostly sunny and hot, with afternoon highs near 96 degrees. The combination of heat and humidity will make it feel even hotter, with heat index values reaching as high as 106 degrees. Sunday will bring more of the same, with highs near 97 and heat index values approaching 107.

The heat continues into early next week, with highs climbing into the upper 90s to around 100 degrees Monday through Wednesday. Rain chances will remain limited, with only a slight chance for a few afternoon showers or thunderstorms starting Tuesday.

By late next week, isolated showers and storms become a little more possible, but sunshine and heat will still dominate the forecast. Highs will remain in the mid to upper 90s, with heat indices likely staying above 100 degrees.

If you’re spending time outdoors, take precautions during the afternoon hours: drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and remember that heat illness can develop quickly in these conditions.