Heat Index to Top 120 in Parts of Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. - Excessive heat advisories and warnings continue throughout Mississippi, with coastal temperatures in the mid 90s and inland temperatures climbing above 100 in much of the state.

With humidity factored in, heat indices surpassing 120 were forecast for parts of the state Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. And warnings were to stay in effect until Saturday morning.

The high heat has led to advisories by government officials about the danger of heat-related illness -- and warnings not to leave children or pets in parked cars even for short time periods.