POPLARVILLE —
If it feels hot, you’re right, it is! Pearl River County and its surrounding areas are under a National Weather Service heat advisory, and temperatures are near record levels.
Pearl River County and its two cities — Poplarville and Picayune — are under a heat advisory until tonight (Wednesday night). The advisory covers all of southwest and coastal Mississippi, as well as, all of southeast Louisiana.
It’s sizzling!
The advisory took effect on Tuesday, and the National Weather Service bulletin said heat index values could approach or hit 110 degrees or higher.
Channel Six TV out of New Orleans said the heat index in Picayune on Monday evening was 118 degrees. That means that although the actual temperature is lower, 118 is what it feels like because of the added humidity.
The temperature in Picayune on Tuesday hit a high of 99 degrees and the heat index readings hit 108 degrees.
If you think it’s hot; you’re right it is; it’s even hotter, or feels hotter, when you factor in the humidity readings which pushes the heat index even higher, making it feel even more miserable.
National Weather Service advisories said the heat warning will be lifted Wednesday night.
Temperatures even at night still hovered in the high 70s, just below 80 degrees, which gave little relief from the oppressive heat. Air conditioners droned all night.
Health officials warned the elderly to stay out of the heat. High indexes can prove especially harmful to the elderly who can’t stand high temps combined with high humidity.
The elderly were advised to remain indoors near an air-conditioning vent and drink plenty of water. Dehydration is also a danger for the elderly during periods of high temperatures.
The heat index advisory said heat index values will continue high through late afternoon.
Nearby counties Hancock and Stone, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes in Louisiana, and Bay St. Louis and Waveland were also under an advisory.
The NWS also said that in the Southeast the high heat index could be accompanied by severe thunderstorms.
Other parts of the U.S. were suffering, too.
“The heat wave continues across parts of the south-central U.S., which high temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday again reached near record levels for the century mark in many locations. The hottest spots will be southern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas where temperatures are forecast to reach 105-110 degrees, actual readings,” NWS said.
In Oklahoma, the overnight readings were in the mid-80s, according to the NWS.
A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors, the National Weather Service advisory said.
The NWS forecast through Monday called for hot and humid conditions prevailing the entire week. A heat advisory is in effect through Wednesday (today), as heat index values rise between 105 and 110.
Isolated to scattered, mainly afternoon thunderstorms are anticipated each day Tuesday through Sunday with the best chance for thunderstorms east of the Interstate 55 corridor, which includes Pearl River County. A few thunderstorms could be strong enough to produce gusty winds, frequent lightning and brief, heavy downpours of rain.
Local News
Area under a National Weather Service heat advisory
- Local News
-
-
PMHS SALUTATORIAN
Picayune Memorial High School salutatorian Tiffany DeVore will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school stadium.
-
PRC VALEDICTORIAN
Pearl River Central High School valedictorian Baylee Brooklyn Owens will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Friday at the high school stadium.
-
PMHS VALEDICTORIAN
Picayune Memorial High School valedictorian Chad Porter will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school auditorium.
-
City council seeks grant for downtown parking improvements
The council approved a request that can potentially allow the city to receive a grant of $100,000 to fund a Downtown Revitalization Parking Project.
-
POPLARVILLE SALUTATORIAN
Poplarville High School salutatorian Brent Breland will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school stadium.
-
POPLARVILLE VALEDICTORIAN
Poplarville High School valedictorian Samantha Gentry will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school stadium.
-
Picayune pays it forward with Oklahoma relief supplies
Picayune residents have started a relief effort for Oklahoma tornado victims, including those with relatives in Picayune, by collecting supplies.
-
Fugitives go on the run in Picayune
A manhunt is underway as U.S. Marshals search for two fugitives out of Tennessee wanted on charges of aggravated burglary and resisting arrest.
U.S. Marshals went to a vacant residence on Pea Ridge Road on Wednesday that was believed to house the two fugitives. -
PRC SALUTATORIAN
Pearl River Central High School salutatorian Haleigh Elizabeth Ratliff will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Friday at the high school stadium.
-
U.S. Marshals, local officials search area for fugitives
The U.S. Marshal's Service, the Pearl River Sheriff's Department and the Picayune Police Department are currently searching for two fugitives wanted for charges in Tennessee.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
