Mississippi faces extreme heat after Tropical Storm Arthur damage, officials warn

Mississippi residents could face dangerous heat levels this weekend and early next week, the National Weather Service said Thursday. The agency warned that moisture left by Tropical Storm Arthur, which recently impacted the state, could boost humidity and raise the heat index.

Starting Saturday and continuing through at least next Thursday, parts of Mississippi may experience heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees. NWS Jackson Lead Meteorologist David Cox advised residents to stay hydrated and check on their vehicles and vulnerable individuals to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The NWS issues a heat advisory when the heat index reaches 105 degrees, as health risks increase at that point. The heat index considers humidity alongside temperature, making conditions feel hotter than the actual air temperature. Forecasts indicate that Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenville, Greenwood, and Hattiesburg could see a heat index of 110 early next week.

Flooding from Arthur has resulted in damage to thousands of structures across the state. Updated reports show 248 homes damaged, including 15 destroyed and 79 with major damage. One person in Franklin County died in the storm’s aftermath.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency provided a county-by-county breakdown of damages, noting numbers are still subject to change. Harrison County reported 183 damaged homes, while Pearl River County reported 35. Other affected counties include Hancock, Covington, Rankin, Wilkinson, George, and Stone. Donations of cleaning supplies are being accepted at a Jackson-area center to aid recovery efforts.

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