Mid-South – The air feels heavy before lunchtime, and the most dangerous heat of the week is still building. Temperatures and humidity are combining to create life-threatening conditions across the Mid-South, where an Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory are now in effect through Tuesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, an Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory began at 10 a.m. Monday and continue until 9 p.m. Tuesday. Heat index values are expected to exceed 105 degrees across nearly the entire region, with portions of eastern Arkansas, northwest Mississippi, and west Tennessee climbing above 110 degrees during the hottest part of the afternoon.
The warning includes communities around Memphis, Jonesboro, Forrest City, Clarksdale, and Tunica, while surrounding areas including Jackson, Tupelo, Corinth, Oxford, Savannah, Dyersburg, and Paris, Tennessee remain under a Heat Advisory. Tuesday is expected to bring the peak of the heat, although Monday afternoon will also be dangerously hot.
Forecast highs will climb into the mid to upper 90s, but humidity will make it feel much hotter. Overnight temperatures will only fall into the mid and upper 70s, providing little opportunity for homes and people without adequate cooling to recover before another dangerous afternoon.
Limit strenuous outdoor activity between late morning and early evening. Drink water frequently, wear lightweight clothing, and take breaks in air-conditioned buildings. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
Utility crews, construction workers, athletes, and anyone spending extended time outdoors should take extra precautions. Check on older neighbors and those without reliable air conditioning.
Dangerous heat will continue through Tuesday evening, and additional heat products could be issued if this prolonged stretch of extreme temperatures persists across the Mid-South.
