A prolonged heat wave has gripped the Mid-South, the National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee, said Friday, with extreme heat warnings and advisories covering the region.
The NWS said Extreme Heat Warnings — shown in magenta on its map — are in effect for heat indices above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and Heat Advisories — shown in orange — are in effect for heat indices above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Those alerts are scheduled through 8 p.m. CDT Sunday and are likely to be extended into early next week, the agency said.
The agency said maximum heat index values could reach as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit in areas such as Clarksdale, Mississippi. The NWS warned the risk of heat illness remains high without proper hydration and precautions.
The NWS urged people to take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, stay hydrated and wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. The agency also advised checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors and pointed to attached graphics for a detailed heat index forecast through next Wednesday.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
