Heat Warning Tuesday; Cool Down, Stormier Weather Ahead

McKENZIE (July 28) — McKenzie and Carroll County will begin the eight-day forecast period with another round of dangerous heat Tuesday, July 28, before temperatures and humidity ease during the middle of the week and showers and thunderstorms become more likely heading into the weekend.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for Carroll County and much of West Tennessee until 8 p.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Memphis said heat index values could reach as high as 115 degrees within the warning area, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Tuesday is expected to be sunny and hot in McKenzie, with a high near 97 degrees and a heat index as high as 113. West-southwest winds are expected at 5 to 10 mph before becoming northwesterly during the afternoon. A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms enters the forecast Tuesday night as temperatures fall to around 71 degrees.

A front moving through the Mid-South should bring noticeably lower humidity beginning Wednesday. The National Weather Service expects clouds during the morning followed by gradual clearing and a high near 89 degrees. Wednesday night should be mostly clear with a low around 67. Thursday is forecast to be sunny with another high near 89 and a nighttime low near 67. Forecasters said the front should push dewpoints into the 60s and bring heat index readings below warning or advisory levels by Thursday.

Rain chances begin increasing Friday. The National Weather Service calls for a 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon with a high near 88. The chance of precipitation rises to 50 percent Friday night, followed by a 60-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday. Saturday’s high should be near 87, with a nighttime low around 68.

Scattered storms remain possible Sunday, when the National Weather Service places the chance of rain at 40 percent and forecasts another high near 87. The National Weather Service’s broader forecast discussion describes the weekend pattern as wet and unsettled but notes that the exact timing and coverage of storms remain uncertain.

The detailed National Weather Service point forecast currently extends through Sunday, Aug. 2. Preliminary extended guidance for Monday, Aug. 3, and Tuesday, Aug. 4, indicates that humid and unsettled conditions may continue. Monday could bring scattered morning thunderstorms followed by afternoon showers, with a high near 86 and a low around 68. Tuesday could reach approximately 89, with afternoon thunderstorms possible and a low near 69. Because those dates extend beyond the current detailed National Weather Service forecast, their temperatures and storm timing are more likely to change.

During Tuesday’s extreme heat, residents should drink plenty of fluids, remain in air-conditioned areas when possible, limit time in direct sunlight and check on relatives and neighbors. Anyone working outdoors should take frequent breaks and watch for signs of heat-related illness.