High temperatures expected through Central Mississippi in coming weeks. Here's what to know

Temperatures are heating up throughout the Jackson metropolitan area in the midst of summer, with a forecast for Thursday that could possibly reach an all-time high of 107 degrees, according to The National Weather Service in Jackson.

With the heatwave blanketing Central Mississippi, experts say the heat index could reach a dangerous level of 113.

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.

Christopher Reiner, a meteorologist at the NWS in Jackson, said temperatures would remain in the triple digits for the upcoming weeks.

"The temperatures for today (Monday) will be 102 with a heat index of 108," Reiner said. "As for the rest of the week, temperatures will remain in the lower 100s but will see a slight change on Thursday, the hottest day of this week, at 107 with an index of 113. With the index reaching such high temperatures, there is a possibility we can break the record on Thursday."

Reiner said the forecast heat levels are dangerous, and extra activities should be limited.

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, NWS officials said.

"Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water," Reiner said. "Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or possible heatstrokes. Check on family members and neighbors experiencing heat difficulties, and avoid extraneous activities. Make sure you don't stay outside for too long, and of course, find workable air conditioning where they can go down from the extreme heat. Since the heat is expected to continue well into the weekend and next week."

In addition, many high school football teams throughout Mississippi start the 2023 football season on either Thursday, Aug. 24, or Friday, Aug. 25, and the heat wave is a concern, officials said.

Player safety is a concern for the Mississippi High School Activities Association as players prepare to hit the field, MHSAA officials said. Temperatures from 87 to 89.9 require practices to be two hours or less with at least four breaks of four minutes each hour. Players are restricted to a helmet, shoulder pads and shorts during such practices.

MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said schools can start games on time as long as the Wet Bulb Global Temperature is at or below 92.1. The WBGT accounts for temperature, humidity, wind spend, sun angle and cloud cover, according to the National Weather Service.

Reiner said the expected WBGT in the Jackson area is 86 for Thursday and Friday, so games should be able to proceed as scheduled.

"If temperatures exceed the wet bulb at 92.1, those schools will have to seek further clarity within their districts for delayed game regulations," Neaves said.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Dangerous high temperatures move through Jackson MS