Scorching heat and storm chances ahead for Vicksburg through Saturday

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg residents should prepare for hot, muggy days and scattered thunderstorms heading into the weekend, with heat index values soaring well into the triple digits, according to the National Weather Service.

Tonight will be partly cloudy and warm, with a low around 78 and calm winds. On Thursday, sunshine and heat will dominate, with a high near 97 and a heat index peaking around 112. A 30 percent chance of thunderstorms will arrive late in the afternoon, and winds will shift lightly out of the east northeast.

The chance for storms lingers into Thursday evening before skies turn partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 76.

Friday brings an increased risk of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and early evening. The high will reach near 93, with heat index values approaching 109. Rainfall could total up to a quarter of an inch, with stronger storms possible. Showers remain likely before 7 p.m. Friday, followed by a partly cloudy night and a low near 75.

Saturday’s forecast remains steamy, with a high near 94 and a 40 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms. South winds between 5 and 10 mph will offer little relief from the heat.