‘Hottest’ temperatures of the season to blast MS Coast this weekend, experts say. Here’s how hot

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is in for a hot weekend, with near-record temperatures expected in the area, forecasters said.

“Summer looks like it is finally arriving with some of the hottest temperatures of the season expected this weekend, likely to continue into next week,” the National Weather Service New Orleans said in a July 15 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Here’s what to know about the weather heading into the July 17 weekend.

Will it rain in South MS this weekend?

Earlier this week, forecasters warned of a potential tropical storm developing in the Gulf, but AccuWeather experts have since said the chances of the storm forming are low.

Experts at the NWS New Orleans also noted the possibility of the storm, saying it has a 30% chance to develop in the eastern Gulf.

“The system is not an immediate threat to our local area, but could bring locally heavy rainfall to areas of the eastern Gulf Coast,” forecasters at the NWS New Orleans said in a July 17 post on X.

How hot will it get in South MS this weekend?

Here’s the weekend forecast as of July 17, according to the Weather Channel:

• Friday, July 17: High 96 degrees Fahrenheit, Low 76 degrees Fahrenheit
• Saturday, July 18: High 97 degrees Fahrenheit, Low 75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Sunday, July 19: High 98 degrees Fahrenheit, Low 76 degrees Fahrenheit
• Monday, July 20: High 96 degrees Fahrenheit, Low 77 degrees Fahrenheit; Scattered thunderstorms later in the day and into the evening

How to stay safe during summer heat in South MS

Forecasters are urging South Mississippi residents to take precaution as the temperature rises.

“With temperatures on the rise, be sure to practice heat safety,” the NWS New Orleans said in a July 17 post on X. “Near-record temperatures are expected the weekend and especially early next week.”

Heatstroke is possible with temperatures peaking. Here are some tips to prevent heatstroke from Mayo Clinic:

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
• Protect yourself from sunburn
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Take extra precautions with certain medicines that impact hydration
• Never leave anyone in a parked car
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day
• Take time to get acclimated to the heat

Natalie Demaree

mcclatchy-newsroom

479-616-0125

Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas.