Jackson, Mississippi – Mississippi residents are facing dangerous heat as temperatures soar and heat index values are expected to reach up to 115 degrees across the state on Wednesday. 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 southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana, effective from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the combination of soaring daytime highs and relentless humidity will keep overnight lows near 75 degrees, offering little relief. The warning covers counties from Bolivar and Sunflower in the Delta, down through Rankin and Hinds in central Mississippi, all the way to Forrest and Lamar in the south. School districts and outdoor workers across the region are urged to take extra precautions.
Road crews, construction workers, and anyone spending extended time outdoors are advised to limit activities to early morning or evening hours, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. Residents should check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those without air conditioning, and never leave children or pets in vehicles—even for a few minutes.
These extreme heat conditions are expected to last into late week, with more advisories possible if the dangerous pattern continues. Stay tuned for updates and remain vigilant during this prolonged heatwave.