This week’s rainfall outlook starts off relatively dry with low chances of precipitation. However, those chances of precipitation increase on Thursday and Friday as southerly winds carry in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Combine the moisture with the heat from the Texas ridge of high pressure and the summertime pop-up shower regime takes hold once more. Unfortunately, even with the increase in afternoon showers, the heat will persist as peak heat indices are expected to stay at or above 100F for the next 7 days.
Rainfall accumulations through Friday morning will hover around .25″, but more rain can be expect on Friday and over the weekend. By next week, some areas could see upwards of an inch of rainfall. In that timeframe, peak heat indices will stay consistently near or above 100F, sometimes peaking earlier in the day, around noon, before afternoon thunderstorms offer mild relief.
Unfortunately, there is no forecasted break in this repetitive pattern. Mississippi and Alabama residents can expect +100F heat indices and afternoon showers through the rest of July.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, the region is nearly guaranteed to have above average temperatures throughout next week and leading into August. In contrast, the precipitation outlook shows a slight chance for below average rainfall. So, residents throughout southeastern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama should take the necessary precautions for staying safe; this includes working outside either in the morning or late evening and knowing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Lastly, because every summertime thunderstorm can produce lightning, remember to go indoors when thunder roars.
Day-to-Day Forecast
Tuesday
Partly cloudy skies with a 20-percent chance of an afternoon or evening thunderstorm. High temperatures in the mid-90s are likely with heat indices approaching 100F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny skies with no thunderstorms expected. High temperatures in the mid-90s are likely with heat indices ranging from 100F-to-105F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
Thursday
Partly cloudy skies with a 40-percent chance of a daytime thunderstorm. High temperatures in the mid-90s are likely with heat indices near 100F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
Friday
Partly cloudy skies with a 50-percent chance of a daytime thunderstorm. High temperatures in the low-90s are likely with heat indices near 100F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
Saturday
Mostly sunny skies with a 30-percent chance of a daytime thunderstorm. High temperatures in the mid-90s are likely with heat indices near 100F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
Sunday
Mostly sunny skies with a 20-percent chance of a daytime thunderstorm. High temperatures in the mid-90s are likely with heat indices ranging from 100F-to-105F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
Monday
Mostly sunny skies with a 30-percent chance of a daytime thunderstorm. High temperatures in the mid-90s are likely with heat indices ranging from 100F-to-105F; overnight lows in the mid-70s are expected.
