Mississippi Weather Alert: Extreme Heat Index Near 115°F Poses Severe Health Risk Until Tuesday Evening

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — Dangerous levels of heat will blanket much of Mississippi through Tuesday evening, with heat index values climbing as high as 115°F. The National Weather Service in Jackson issued an Extreme Heat Warning effective until 8 p.m., covering central and western Mississippi, along with portions of southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana.

Communities under the advisory include Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenville, Yazoo City, and Port Gibson, where health officials are warning of serious risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Health Risks from Extreme Heat

Officials cautioned that prolonged exposure to high heat can quickly lead to medical emergencies. Residents are strongly urged to:

• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.
• Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
• Wear light, breathable clothing to reduce body heat.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those without reliable access to air conditioning.

Authorities also reminded drivers that leaving children or pets in parked vehicles is extremely dangerous, as interior temperatures can become lethal in minutes.

Impact on Infrastructure and Utilities

With temperatures nearing triple digits and humidity driving the heat index higher, power grids across the region are under strain. Officials warned of the potential for localized outages as air-conditioning use surges during peak afternoon hours.

Cooling centers remain open across affected counties to provide relief for residents unable to safely cool their homes.

Relief Expected Midweek

The intense heat is forecast to ease by Wednesday as thunderstorms develop across the region. However, high temperatures in the upper 90s will persist into the end of the week, keeping conditions uncomfortable.

Five-Day Forecast for Jackson, MS

• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 99. Heat index up to 109. Slight storm chance. Low 75.
• Wednesday: High near 98. Afternoon storms possible, heat index up to 108. Low 73.
• Thursday: Showers and storms likely after 1 p.m., high 92. Low 72.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high 92. Storm chances late. Low 72.
• Saturday: Partly cloudy, high near 93.

Mississippi residents — how are you coping with this dangerous stretch of triple-digit heat? Share your safety tips and updates in the comments, and keep following ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com for more weather coverage across the region.