NATCHEZ — The National Weather Service is forecasting strong winds throughout most of the day.

NWS forecasts project winds from the west-southwest to blow from 5 to 15 miles per hour, increasing to between 15 and 25 miles per hour in the afternoon.

Wind gusts as high as 35 miles per hour could occur.

By tonight, winds should decrease to 15 miles per hour after midnight, though gusts of up to 30 miles per hour could occur. Cooler temperatures are also expected for the first few days of the new week.

Strong thunderstorms were expected in the early morning hours today.