BROOKHAVEN — A potential tropical cyclone is forming in the Gulf of Mexico around Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm upgraded from a simple tropical disturbance according to the National Hurricane Center. Heat is forecast to continue

As of 1 p.m. Friday, the storm is not a named storm but is numbered as potential tropical cyclone four. This storm could bring tropical storm conditions and heavy rains to the Florida Peninsula.

Current forecasts show the storm hooking towards the Florida peninsula and up the Atlantic Coast instead of heading towards the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Daily Leader will continue to monitor tropical activity during the 2024 Hurricane Season.

It should be no surprise here locally our greatest weather threat is intense heat over the weekend and into next week. Temperatures could be in the upper 90s almost reaching 100 degrees with heat indices reaching between 111 to 115 at its peak. Heat stroke is increasingly likely with prolonged activity.

The dangerous heat is not going away any time soon. Forecasts for Brookhaven predict the Wednesday high temperature could reach 100 degrees with Tuesday and Thursday forecasted highs reaching 99.

Drought conditions around Lincoln County are non-existent at this time but conditions are beginning to dry up in north Mississippi with some counties reaching moderate drought stage.

Remember to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks if working outside and find a place to cool off.