The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for parts of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee, including the cities of Kennett, Batesville, Memphis, Piggott, Millington, Jonesboro, Southaven, Wynne, Blytheville, Collierville, Coffeeville, Germantown, Senatobia, Covington, Corning, Olive Branch, Caruthersville, Forrest City, Water Valley, Bartlett, Harrisburg, Dyersburg, West Memphis, Paragould, Union City, Ripley TN, and Tiptonville, effective from 11 AM this morning to 9 PM CDT this evening.

With temperatures soaring and an anticipated heat index value peaking at a stifling 111 degrees, residents are urged to take precautionary measures to mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses during this dangerously hot and humid period, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding excessive time under the sun, and maintaining regular checks on relatives and neighbors.

The National Weather Service reveals the region standing under the unyielding influence of a bristling sun today, with the mercury expected to rise near a high of 96 degrees and heat index values soaring as high as 110, the calm winds of the morning set to pick up a southernly sway as the day progresses.

As the NWS also communicated, tonight offers a slight respite with a minor chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3 am and 4 am. At the same time, the following days continue to oscillate between sweltering heat and sporadic opportunities for precipitation and storms, mostly sunny and hot, the high again nearing 97 degrees on Friday, and the pattern of thunderstorms mostly confined to the small hours and later parts of the day throughout the weekend.