Extreme heat warning goes into effect on Tuesday

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at the week ahead

South Mississippi will remain locked into a stretch of dangerous heat through the middle of the week before a more typical summertime pattern returns heading into the weekend.

Tuesday will be a scorcher of a day with mostly sunny skies and afternoon highs reaching around 99 degrees, with a Heat Advisory in effect for most locations and an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for coastal Jackson, Harrison & Hancock Counties.

When humidity is factored in, it’ll feel more like 110 to 114 degrees during the hottest part of the afternoon. Only a few isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop after 1 p.m., so most locations will stay dry while the heat takes center stage.

Wednesday brings another hot day with highs near 99 degrees and heat index values climbing as high as 112 degrees. Scattered afternoon thunderstorms will become a little more common, with about a 40% chance of rain.

By Thursday, moisture increases across the region, leading to a much better chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances rise to around 70%, helping temperatures ease back into the mid 90s.

The unsettled pattern continues through the weekend and into early next week, with daily rounds of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms expected. While highs gradually fall into the upper 80s and lower 90s, the humidity will remain high, making it feel muggy even with the cooler temperatures.

If you’re spending time outdoors over the next couple of days, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly when heat index values exceed 110 degrees.