Conversations on the Current State of Heat Awareness in Jackson, Mississippi

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, and conditions
in Jackson Mississippi make residents more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat.
Understanding the effects of extreme heat requires taking a look beyond meteorological data and
toward the historical and socioeconomic data that shapes the “City with Soul” today. Jackson’s
roots are planted deeply in early America with Native American displacement and continued to
grow during the Civil Rights Era and beyond. This study aims to analyze the interconnectivity of
historical, social, and environmental factors in the case of extreme heat in Jackson, Mississippi.
Through qualitative research methods, including interviews with Jacksonians aged 60 and above
and respected city leaders, we identified key themes and insights that we hope will inform official
heat mitigation and preparedness plans to protect residents’ lives and property. Our results
indicate the need for further education on extreme heat, equitable resource allocation, and
increased city support during extreme heat events. Integrating these findings into official
practices ensures that recommendations are accurately tailored for Jackson residents, ensuring a
safer future.