Residents across Mississippi this weekend may have to shift from dodging water to dodging the sun.
Just as flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur has waned, the state could see dangerous levels of heat this weekend and early next week, the National Weather Service said Thursday. Heightening that risk is moisture left by the flooding that could increase humidity.
Starting Saturday and until at least next Thursday, parts of Mississippi could see a heat index between 105 and 110 degrees. The conditions could cause heat-related illnesses, NWS Jackson lead meteorologist David Cox said.
“So you definitely need to hydrate, always check your cars, make sure no one’s left inside,” Cox said.
NWS issues a heat advisory when the heat index reaches 105 degrees because that’s when there starts to be an increase in such illnesses, he said. The index differs from the regular temperature because it takes humidity into account.
According to NWS forecasts, a number of places could see a heat index of 110 starting early next week, including Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenville, Greenwood and Hattiesburg.
In Jackson, the Pearl River reached its minor flood stage on Monday, but the water level has dropped since Tuesday. Monticello also saw minor flooding, but the level there will start to drop Friday morning, according to the local river gauge.
Updated damage reports released Wednesday show that 248 homes were damaged by Tropical Storm Arthur, which first hit Mississippi late last week. Of those, 15 were destroyed and 79 received major damage. One person, in Franklin County, died in the aftermath. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency gave a breakdown of damages by county, noting these numbers are still subject to change:
Harrison County – 183 homes, 9 businesses, 8 roads
Pearl River County – 35 homes, 1 business, 6 roads
Affected areas are accepting donations, specifically buckets, bleach, rags, paper towels, mops, and other cleaning supplies, MEMA said Wednesday. The donation center — at the Fairgrounds Armory at 1207 Mississippi St. in Jackson — will stay open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as needed.
