Clouds build in before the rain chance increases on Thursday

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at the week ahead

South Mississippi will stay hot and humid through Thursday, with afternoon heat index values climbing as high as 110. While most of the day will be dry, a few showers and thunderstorms could develop after 1 p.m., with temperatures reaching the mid 90s.

Rain chances begin to increase Thursday night and continue through the weekend as a more active weather pattern settles into the region. Friday brings the highest likelihood of widespread showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening, with a much higher chance of rain. High temperatures will remain in the lower 90s, but clouds and rainfall should help keep the heat from becoming quite as intense.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Saturday, with even more numerous storms possible on Sunday. Some locations could pick up 1 to 3 inches of beneficial rainfall, although periods of heavy rain and frequent lightning will be possible in stronger storms.

Early next week, the unsettled pattern lingers with daily chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures will generally remain near 90 degrees Monday before warming back into the lower 90s by Tuesday and Wednesday.