BROOKHAVEN — National Weather Service in Jackson reported the average high temperature for June was 81.2 degrees. It is a little warmer than average but below the top 10 hottest month averages.

According to NWS records, started in 1896, the mean, average, temperature for June is 79.6 degrees. Temperatures were at or below the average of 79.6 degrees in 65 of the 128 years on record and four of the last 10 years. The longest stretch of below average temperatures in June was from 1999 to 2005 with seven straight below the average June temperature of 79.6 degrees. 

The hottest June was in 1952 and 1953 with an average temperature of 84.6 degrees. The coolest June according to NWS Jackson was set in 1903 with an average temperature of 73.4 degrees.

June finished with 4.2 inches of rainfall which is two-tenths of an inch below average. The lowest rainfall total recorded for June was 0 inches in 1930.

NWS Jackson warns the first few days of July will have heat stress conditions. The forecasted high temperatures will not set any records.

Monday will get up to 95 degrees with a heat index of 107. Be sure to stay hydrated and cool. Tuesday will have a high of 97 and heat index of 103. Wednesday could have some thunderstorms, a 60 percent chance of rain and highs at 93. July 4th will have a high of 93 degrees.

Drought conditions are forecast to develop in north Mississippi. The Daily Leader will continue to monitor for drought conditions and report on any new developments. The Daily Leader is also keeping an eye on hurricane forecasts in the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Beryl has formed and is a category 4 hurricane. It is forecast to pass through the Caribbean Islands before heading for the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Weather good news

Historically, July is a slow month for tornadoes in Lincoln County. According to the National Weather Service database, of the 62 tornadoes to touch down in Lincoln County just one touched down in July. 

The tornado touched down on July 6, 1891 west of Brookhaven and south of where US84 is today. It was an F-2 tornado and traveled five miles before dissipating. Data shows 15 people were injured by the tornado, one man was killed in a logging camp and several tenants suffered damage to their homes. 

It is important to note that many more tornadoes could have touched down in Lincoln County before the first tornado recorded in the database in 1882. At the statewide level, 44 tornadoes have touched down in July which is far less than any other month.