Warmup, thunderstorms possible in Mississippi this week

Temperatures in Mississippi will rise above normal through midweek, with afternoon highs reaching the mid to upper 70s, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.

A cold front is expected to bring cooler weather late in the week. Forecasters warn that strong to severe storms could develop Friday into Friday night, mainly in central to northwest Mississippi, northeast Louisiana, and southeast Arkansas.

The storms may produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. An isolated severe weather threat could extend into east and southeast Mississippi. The timing is expected to be late Friday afternoon through Friday night.

Meteorologists advise residents to stay updated as the severe weather outlook remains several days away.