Jackson, Mississippi – Mississippi residents should prepare for dangerously hot conditions next week as heat index values soar between 105°F and 110°F, prompting concerns for public health and outdoor safety.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the entire region is under an Elevated Level 2 Heat Risk beginning Monday, with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and oppressive humidity driving heat indices into the triple digits. A Heat Advisory is likely to be issued for much of central and western Mississippi, including cities like Jackson, Greenville, and Meridian, and could last several days.
Outdoor workers, the elderly, and those without reliable cooling face the highest risk of heat exhaustion or illness. NWS officials urge residents to limit strenuous activities during peak afternoon hours, hydrate frequently, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Vehicles can become deadly in minutes—never leave children or pets inside.
In Yazoo City and Brookhaven, emergency officials are preparing cooling centers as sustained heat could lead to power strain or localized outages. The heat wave follows a similar mid-July event in 2023 that led to multiple hospitalizations.
Conditions are expected to persist into late next week, with additional advisories possible if temperatures or humidity increase further.
