The Golden Triangle, along with the rest of north Mississippi, is in potential danger for heat stress through the rest of the week according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.
NWS forecaster Anna Wolverton said temperatures will remain in the mid-toupper 90s throughout the week along with high humidity, with peak heat indices in the mid-100s.
“These temperatures are a little above average, but having long stretches of high heat is not out of the normal for us in the summertime,” Wolverton said.
Wolverton said chances of afternoon showers and thunderstorms will increase into the weekend, which will help keep the heat at bay.
Wolverton said the hottest part of the day is from around 11 a.m. until the early evening around 5 p.m., making it the most hazardous time of the day.
“If you are outside, take lots of breaks and drink lots of water,” Wolverton said. “You want to stay hydrated.”
Wolverton said the biggest threat during extreme heat is heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of heat stroke are: body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and losing consciousness.
If a person has these symptoms, the CDC recommends calling 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place, help to lower the person’s temperature with cool clothes or bath and do not give the person anything to drink.
Also according to the CDC, the symptoms for heat exhaustion are: heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting.
If a person has these symptoms, the CDC recommends moving the person to a cool place, wearing looser clothing, putting cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath and sip water. Medical help should be sought right away if a person is throwing up, symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour.