Multiple rounds of storms expected throughout week, heatwave to follow

Forecasters at the National Weather Service are predicting multiple rounds of storms in the area throughout the week which may end in a heat wave.

Weather conditions in the area on Tuesday pose a slight risk of severe storms with the potential for damaging wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. There is also a chance of golf ball-sized hail and the formation of tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Multiple rounds of storms are expected. Moreover, urban and low-lying areas may experience localized flooding until Tuesday night.

On Wednesday and Wednesday night, the likelihood of severe thunderstorms increases, particularly across Central Mississippi, Northeastern Louisiana, and Southeast Arkansas. These storms have the capacity to generate large hail and cause damaging wind gusts. In the most intense storms, wind gusts of up to 70 mph and hail up to 2 inches in diameter are possible.

Thursday brings the potential for isolated severe thunderstorms in portions of central and south Mississippi, as well as far Northeast Louisiana. These storms have the capacity to produce damaging wind gusts and hail up to the size of a quarter.

In addition to the severe weather threat, a dangerous heatwave is expected to impact the region from late this week into early next week. Heat index values are projected to reach levels between 105 and 110 degrees, primarily affecting northeast and central Louisiana, as well as southwest Mississippi. The increasing heat stress calls for heightened caution and proper measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.