Jackson, Mississippi – Mississippi residents are bracing for dangerous heat on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring and heat index values expected to reach up to 115°F across the state. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for most of Mississippi, including the Jackson metro, Hattiesburg, Greenville, and Starkville, as well as parts of southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the combination of scorching daytime highs and relentless humidity will result in overnight lows only dropping to around 75°F, offering little relief. The warning covers a wide swath of counties from Bolivar and Sunflower in the Delta, through Rankin and Hinds in central Mississippi, extending all the way south to Forrest and Lamar counties. School districts, construction workers, and outdoor workers across the region are being urged to take extra precautions.
Road crews, construction workers, and anyone spending extended time outdoors are advised to limit activities to the early morning or evening hours, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. It is important for residents to check on their neighbors, particularly the elderly or those without air conditioning, and to never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a few minutes.
These extreme heat conditions are expected to persist into the late part of the week, with additional advisories possible if the dangerous heat continues. Stay tuned for updates and remain vigilant during this prolonged heatwave.
