By Meteorologist Paul Williams
If you’ve been enjoying the sunshine, don’t get too comfortable. This week will remind us that a Mississippi summer is settling in for the long haul.
High pressure will be the dominant weather feature to begin the week, bringing plenty of sunshine and temperatures climbing into the lower to middle 90s. When you combine those temperatures with Mississippi’s trademark humidity, it will feel more like 100 to 105 degrees during the hottest part of the afternoon. Heat safety should be a priority, especially for anyone working outdoors, participating in youth sports, or spending extended time outside. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks, and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
By Tuesday afternoon, we will begin to see the familiar summertime pattern return. As daytime heating combines with abundant Gulf moisture, isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop, primarily during the afternoon and evening hours. Not everyone will see rain, but any storm that forms could produce brief heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds before quickly moving away.
The best opportunity for more widespread rainfall appears to arrive during the middle of the week as moisture increases across central Mississippi. While we are not expecting an all day washout, several rounds of scattered thunderstorms should help knock afternoon temperatures back into the upper 80s for some communities. Rainfall coverage will remain hit or miss, meaning some neighborhoods could receive a soaking while others stay mostly dry.
As we head toward the upcoming holiday weekend, the typical July pattern takes over once again. Expect hot afternoons with highs returning to the lower 90s, warm mornings in the lower 70s, and a daily chance for isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Any outdoor plans should include a backup option, but there will still be plenty of dry hours to enjoy if you keep an eye on the radar.
Williams Weather Bottom Line
Hot and humid conditions dominate the week.
Heat index values may exceed 100 degrees early in the week.
Afternoon and evening thunderstorms become more common beginning Tuesday, with the highest rain chances during the middle of the week.
Most storms will be brief but capable of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
Keep the umbrella nearby, but do not cancel outdoor plans, just stay weather aware.
Have a safe week, Simpson County, and remember: in Mississippi during the summer, the forecast is often simple, if you do not like the weather, just wait until this afternoon.
