The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for parts of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, and West Tennessee, effective from 11 AM this morning to 8 PM CDT this evening. During this time frame, dangerously high heat index values are expected to rise to as much as 112 degrees.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up frequently on relatives and neighbors. The oppressive heat forecast follows sunny and hot conditions, with today's high inching near a scorching 99 degrees. Heat index values are set to increasingly soar as high as 111, signaling a spike that's more than just a little uncomfortable—it's downright risky, especially for the most vulnerable among us.
According to the NWS's detailed forecast, the blistering trend continues into tonight with partly cloudy skies and a low of around 77 degrees. The swelter doesn't stop there; Wednesday temperatures are predicted to hit a high near 94 degrees, with showers and thunderstorms likely. By nightfall, we have a 60% chance of showers and storms with new rainfall amounts of up to a quarter inch—not enough to cool the heated grip of summer in full swing.
Heading into the latter half of the week, relief seems to not be readily on the horizon. Thursday is expected to be sunny, with a high near 91 degrees. Friday and Saturday forecasts promise mostly sunshine yet remind us the sun's rays will not easily relent, reaching highs near 95 and 97 degrees, respectively.
