Extreme heat and afternoon storms in Vicksburg forecast through Saturday

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Dangerous heat will grip Vicksburg through the end of the week, with heat index values topping 115 degrees on Thursday and scattered storms expected each afternoon through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Tonight brings a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7 and 9 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies and a low around 76 with calm winds. On Thursday, the heat intensifies with a high near 98 and a heat index as high as 115. A 30 percent chance of afternoon storms is expected, with light west-southwest winds.

Thursday night will remain muggy, with a slight chance of showers before 1 a.m. and a low around 75.

Friday continues the pattern of sunny mornings and stormy afternoons, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. The high will reach 96, and rainfall totals are expected to remain light, though heavier downpours are possible in storms. Friday night brings a 30 percent chance of lingering showers and a low around 73.

Saturday wraps up the hot, unsettled stretch with a 50 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms under mostly sunny skies and a high near 93. North winds will offer little relief from the heat.