By Meteorologist Paul Williams | Williams Weather Window
There are some weeks during a Mississippi summer when the forecast practically writes itself, and this is one of them. Simpson County will spend the next seven days under a familiar July pattern featuring abundant sunshine, afternoon temperatures climbing into the middle and upper 90s, and humidity levels that will make it feel much hotter.
The hottest days are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, when heat index values could climb between 105 and 110 degrees. While actual air temperatures may stop just short of 100 degrees, the humidity will make it feel significantly warmer.
These are the kinds of days when heat exhaustion can sneak up on you, especially if you are working outdoors, attending youth sporting events or spending extended time outside.
Beginning Thursday and continuing through the weekend, additional Gulf moisture will move into the region. That will not eliminate the heat, but it will increase the chance for familiar summertime pop-up thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.
These storms are typically scattered, meaning one neighborhood may receive a heavy downpour while another area just a few miles away remains completely dry.
Even when storms develop, they usually move through quickly, leaving behind slightly cooler temperatures for a short time before the heat and humidity build again.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday: Sunny and very hot. High near 99 degrees. Heat index between 105 and 110 degrees.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High around 99 degrees with only an isolated late-day shower possible.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High around 95 to 96 degrees. Slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm.
Friday: Hot and humid. High around 95 degrees with scattered afternoon storms.
Saturday: Partly sunny. High in the mid-90s. Afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Sunday: Typical July weather with sunshine, clouds and isolated afternoon storms. High near 94 degrees.
Monday: Little overall change. Hot and humid with a chance of a late-day thunderstorm.
Weather Safety Reminder
When the heat index climbs above 105 degrees, your body has a much harder time cooling itself.
Drink water before you become thirsty, wear light-colored clothing, take frequent breaks if you are working outside, and never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Mississippi Weather History
Late July has produced some of Mississippi’s most memorable summer heat waves.
During the historic heat wave of 1980, many locations across the state experienced multiple days above 100 degrees, with oppressive humidity pushing heat index values even higher. That summer remains one of the hottest on record across much of the Deep South and serves as a reminder that while this week’s weather is certainly hot, Mississippi has experienced even more extreme heat in the past.
Weather Trivia
Did you know?
A thunderstorm can lower temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees in just a few minutes. Unfortunately, during a Mississippi summer, that refreshing cool air often lasts less than an hour before sunshine returns and humidity begins building again.
Until next week, stay cool, stay hydrated and keep looking up!
Paul Williams
Chief Meteorologist
