An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today for southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, and northwest Mississippi. Residents can expect dangerously high heat index values ranging from 110 to 115 degrees.

Affected areas include Ashley, Chicot, Morehouse, West Carroll, East Carroll, Richland, and Madison Parishes in Louisiana, along with Bolivar, Sunflower, Leflore, Grenada, Carroll, Washington, Humphreys, Holmes, Issaquena, Sharkey, Yazoo, and Warren Counties in Mississippi. Major cities impacted are Vicksburg, Greenwood, Greenville, Yazoo City, and Grenada.

In other areas of the state, high temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees or higher. Columbus and Meridian in the eastern part of the state are expected to see temperatures soar as high as 101 degrees. Tupelo is expecting a high of 100 degrees.

The National Weather Service warns that the extreme heat and high humidity significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Authorities advise residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned environments, avoid direct sun exposure, and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.

Leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles is highly dangerous as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. Precautionary measures include wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours. Recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and take immediate action if they occur.

Local officials have set up cooling stations and are urging the community to take the necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme weather event.