Jackson is experiencing a heat wave this week with a heat index of up to 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.
“We are expecting more significant and dangerous heat temperatures later in the week with a heat index of 103-105,” said David Cox, a meteorologist at the NWS. “The Jackson area will see the rise in the index and temperatures tomorrow evening and continue throughout the week. Excessive heat warnings will also be distributed to caution residents in the metro area to limit outdoor activities.”
On Wednesday and Thursday, the index will remain in the low to mid 100s, with a chance of a higher index through the weekend, depending on if storms arise.
A heat index is the combination of the ambient temperature outdoors and the humidity level to project how the combination will feel on the human body.
The NWS recommended outside labor workers should wear light-colored clothing to help keep cool throughout the day.
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“To stay cool, we recommend staying hydrated throughout the day,” Cox said. “These temperatures could potentially cause heat strokes and other health risk.”
Heat stroke results in high body temperatures, dry skin with no sweat and dizziness. Heat exhaustion results in heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness and other symptoms.
The latest heat wave comes as area residents continue to battle the fallout from storms. As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, around 3,600 customers were without power, down from a peak of approximately 25,000 outages due to a severe thunderstorm on Sunday night, according to Entergy Mississippi.
“Entergy officials continue to assess the damage and restore power to customers impacted by high winds and lighting Sunday night,” the release stated. “Damage assessment crews found over 12 miles of downed wire and 47 damaged poles. More than 1,300 employees and contract partners are working long hours, restoring customer service as safely and quickly as possible.”
According to Entergy officials, “Most of the remaining impacted customers are expected to be back online tonight; some customers in Hinds, Rankin, and Simpson counties are expected to be restored by Wednesday afternoon, pending additional weather.”
