Heat in Quitman, Mississippi

Maximum heat index of 108 degrees.

A strong, stationary heat dome brought oppressive heat to the Mid-South in mid to late August. The region was fed by warm, moist air from the Gulf, which elevated dewpoints and thus made heat-index values much higher than the actual air temperature alone. Because cloud cover was suppressed and the ground surface was dry, nighttime cooling was limited, elevating heat stress. The heat dome remained parked for several days, resulting in minimal forecast change or relief. Finally, an upper-level disturbance was able to bring relief as showers and thunderstorm chances returned.