MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) — A heat advisory remains in effect for much of central and east central Mississippi through 9 p.m. Tuesday, with heat index values expected to reach as high as 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.
The advisory covers Lauderdale, Neshoba, Kemper, Newton, Winston, Noxubee, Leake, Attala, Oktibbeha, Choctaw, Clay, Webster, Lowndes and Montgomery counties. Cities included in the advisory are Meridian, Philadelphia, De Kalb, Union, Louisville, Macon, Starkville, Columbus, West Point, Winona, Kosciusko, Carthage, Newton, Scooba, Ackerman, Eupora, Weir, Brooksville, Conehatta and Pearl River.
The National Weather Service says hot temperatures combined with high humidity can lead to heat illnesses. Forecasters are urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioned spaces when possible, and avoid direct sun exposure. Anyone who must be outside should wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing and try to limit strenuous activity to the early morning or evening hours.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that anyone working outdoors take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas to reduce the risk of heat illness. If someone is overcome by the heat, they should be moved to a cool, shaded location immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and anyone showing symptoms should receive care right away by calling 911.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency also posted a reminder to residents Tuesday, encouraging people to know the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, drink plenty of water, and check on neighbors, especially elderly residents, during the extreme heat.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts throughout the day for any updates to the advisory.