By Meteorologist Paul Williams
If you’ve lived in Simpson County very long, you know July is supposed to be hot. Ninety-degree afternoons, sticky humidity and those pop-up thunderstorms are all part of a typical Mississippi summer.
But this week, we’re watching something a little different.
While Simpson County is not expected to experience the widespread 100-degree temperatures that scorched parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this past week, we are on the southern edge of the same large-scale heat dome affecting much of the eastern United States.
Here’s what that means for us:
- Afternoon highs will generally climb into the lower to middle 90s.
- Humidity will remain very high, pushing the heat index into the upper 90s and, at times, above 100 degrees.
- Scattered afternoon thunderstorms are expected on several days, providing only brief, localized relief before the heat and humidity quickly return.
The biggest difference between our weather and what happened farther north is Mississippi’s typical summer pattern. Daily thunderstorms help keep actual air temperatures from reaching the triple digits. Along the East Coast, stronger high pressure suppressed storm development, allowing temperatures to soar into the upper 90s and even above 100 degrees in many locations.
So while this won’t be a record-breaking heat wave for Simpson County, it will be a week when the combination of heat and humidity makes it feel much hotter than the thermometer reads.
If you’re spending time outdoors, remember these safety tips:
- Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
- Schedule strenuous outdoor work for the early morning or late evening whenever possible.
The good news is that our daily thunderstorm chances should help prevent the extreme temperatures experienced farther north. But don’t let that fool you. Mississippi humidity can make a 94-degree afternoon feel every bit as dangerous as much hotter temperatures elsewhere.
I’m Paul Williams, and that’s your Williams Weather Window for Simpson County.
Stay cool, stay hydrated and have a great week!
