JACKSON — Our eighth named storm of the 2024 hurricane season rapidly formed into a more organized storm over the past 48 hours. This storm is located in the southern Gulf of Mexico near the Yucatan Peninsula and is named Tropical Storm Helene

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, this storm strengthened into tropical storm strength Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. By 1 p.m. Tuesday, the storm strengthened to have wind speeds of 45 mph. Once sustained wind speeds become higher than 73 mph the storm will become Hurricane Helene. 

Fortunately for Mississippi, forecast tracks show the storm going towards Florida and at this time no major weather impacts are expected for southwest Mississippi. Outlooks show any heavy precipitation with this storm will most likely be in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. 

There is an increased chance of rain this week already in the forecast. 

According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, there is a 20 percent chance of rain Tuesday night, a 50 percent chance of rain Wednesday and a 20 percent chance of rain Thursday. Temperatures will also start to cool off following Tuesday with highs in the mid 80s and lows getting down to the 60s.

NWS Jackson does forecast an uptick in wind along with the potential for rainfall. Speeds could reach 5 to 15 mph Thursday with gusts around 20 mph and 5 to 10 mph Friday with gusts reaching 20 mph. Stronger winds could lead to an increase in wildfire risk.

Wildfire risk conditions remain low as of Tuesday although people should continue to be careful if they do burn. Check the weather before and during the time you burn, have a fire break of bare mineral dirt around your fire, keep an eye on your fire and have water on hand to control it if it does get out.

People should also secure trailer chains on the roadways and be sure to dispose of cigarette butts properly and not on the ground. One spark is all it takes to start a wildfire. 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by human error.

Bogue Chitto Volunteer Fire Department responded to a grass fire Monday afternoon and were able to get it put out. 

Check back for more weather updates.