Advisories issued as dangerous heat persists from Texas to lower Mississippi Valley

A prolonged late-summer heat wave will continue across the southern Plains into early next week as broad upper-level ridging persists across the southern tier of the country, acccording to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC).

WPC expects the greatest coverage of Moderate to Extreme Heat Risk to extend from the southern Plains and Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley during its medium-range forecast period.

The outlook is valid from 12:00 UTC on September 12 through 12:00 UTC on September 16. It describes the expected geographic extent and potential health effects of the heat during that period and is separate from the shorter-term advisories issued by local NWS offices.

The NWS Little Rock office issued a Heat Advisory for parts of central, eastern and southeastern Arkansas from 11:00 to 20:00 CDT on September 10 (16:00 UTC on September 10 to 01:00 UTC on September 11).

The advisory includes Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Conway, Searcy, Stuttgart and surrounding communities. Heat-index values could reach approximately 43°C (109°F).

The NWS Memphis office issued a separate Heat Advisory for parts of eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee during the same period. Heat-index values of approximately 42°C (107°F) are expected.

The Memphis advisory includes Jonesboro, West Memphis, Memphis, Southaven, Tunica, Clarksdale, Olive Branch and surrounding areas. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity could cause heat-related illnesses, according to both advisory products.

Actual air temperatures across the Mid-South are expected to reach approximately 35–39°C (the mid-90s to low 100s°F) before a cold front enters the region.

The front is forecast to increase shower and thunderstorm chances from September 10 through 12. Rain and additional cloud cover could provide localized relief, although temperatures are expected to remain above normal through the end of the week.

North and Central Texas entered September 10 after a Heat Advisory issued by the NWS Dallas/Fort Worth office expired at 20:00 CDT on September 9 (01:00 UTC on September 10).

In an updated forecast issued at 02:15 CDT (07:15 UTC) on September 10, the office listed no watches, warnings or advisories for its forecast area.

Temperatures are nevertheless expected to remain above normal. Most locations are forecast to reach approximately 35–38°C (the mid-90s to 100–101°F), while isolated parts of North Texas could record heat-index values of approximately 41°C (105–106°F).

Point forecasts call for a September 10 high of approximately 38°C (100°F) in Dallas, 37°C (99°F) at Dallas–Fort Worth, 37°C (98°F) in Waco and 37°C (99°F) at Mineral Wells.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to move into North Texas during the afternoon and evening as a cold front stalls over Oklahoma and storms push southward along an outflow boundary.

The greatest storm coverage is forecast near the Red River and north of U.S. Route 380. Isolated storms could extend south of Interstate 20 during the evening.

The overall severe-weather threat is low, although stronger storms could produce gusty winds, lightning and periods of heavy rain. Much of North Texas could receive approximately 13 mm (0.5 inches) of rain through September 11, with isolated totals of 19–25 mm (0.75–1 inch).

The thunderstorms will not provide widespread relief because coverage is expected to remain scattered. Areas south of Interstate 20 and across Central Texas are forecast to receive lower rainfall totals.

Upper-level ridging is expected to rebuild across the southern Plains during the weekend after the shortwave and associated rain chances move eastward. Hot and predominantly dry conditions are forecast to continue across North and Central Texas during the first half of next week.

In the Mid-South, the approaching front is expected to stall Friday before weakening Saturday. Locations north of Interstate 40 should be less hot, while showers and thunderstorms remain possible through Saturday.

Upper-level ridging is forecast to return by Sunday and persist into the middle of next week. Temperatures of approximately 35–37°C (the mid- to upper-90s°F) are expected across the region, and additional heat advisories may be required over the Mississippi Delta southwest of Memphis.

NWS advised people in the affected areas to remain hydrated, use air-conditioned spaces when available, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and limit strenuous outdoor activity to cooler parts of the day.

Residents were also advised to check on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets should never be left inside unattended vehicles.

References:

¹ Extended Forecast Discussion — NWS/WPC — September 9, 2026.

² Heat Advisory for portions of eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee — NWS — September 10, 2026,

³ Area Forecast Discussion — NWS Dallas/Fort Worth — September 9, 2026

⁴ Area Forecast Discussion — NWS Memphis — September 10, 2026