MONDAY: After 2+ weeks of searing heat, the upper ridge has finally backed away and opened better chances for rain and storms with a front bisecting the area. Expect variably cloudy skies with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90. Storm chances will increase after lunch time, especially near and south of I-20. The storms that flare up could have heavy rain, gusty wind and frequent lightning. Lows will fall back in the 70s.
TUESDAY: With the boundary stalled to our south, expect clouds and sun to mix with an opportunity for scattered showers and storms to develop through the afternoon hours. Highs will top out in the upper 80s to near 90 again. Any storms that develop will tend to fade after sunset with lows in the 70s.
EXTENDED FORECAST: The stalled boundary and an open flow off the Gulf will keep opportunities for showers and storms in the forecast daily along with a mix of clouds and sun. Expect highs in the upper 80s to near 90 through late week; lower 90s return by the Independence Day holiday weekend.
TALKIN’ TROPICS: A wave coming off western Africa is looking more likely it could form into a tropical depression by the early portions of next week in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean. While it won’t pose a threat immediately, it’ll be something we keep an eye on over the coming days. On the tail end of a stalled boundary in the Gulf of Mexico, a non-tropical low could yield squally weather at times in southern Louisiana and SE Texas.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 27, 2022
June 24, 2022
Peak of the Heat is Here - Relief Nearing Soon
FRIDAY: In the wake of the weak front, humidity levels will ease down slightly to round out the work week, mainly N/E of Metro Jackson – but we’ll keep the heat in place as highs press their way back toward the upper 90s for yet another day. Expect mostly sunny skies with light breezes. A few isolated storms could bubble up S/W of Metro Jackson during the afternoon. Lows will drop into the middle 70s.
WEEKEND PLANNER: Another heat bubble will expand over the region to kick off the weekend. Expect highs on Saturday to be near 100; Sunday, still in the middle to upper 90s. Sunshine will win out Saturday with small chance of a cooling shower or storm. Chances will increase by Sunday afternoon as a surge of moisture comes off the Gulf of Mexico and an approaching front comes down the eastern side of the heat bubble. A few of the storms could be gusty and strong. Lows both nights will be in the 70s.
EXTENDED PERIOD: As the upper ridge backs away, temperatures will ease back to ‘near-normal’ for late June across central and southwest Mississippi. Expect highs in the lower to middle 90s with increased opportunities for seeing cooling relief for showers and storms. No one day will be a complete washout. Expect a mix of clouds and sun daily to facilitate the, generally, afternoon storm chances.
TALKIN’ TROPICS: A wave coming off western Africa is looking more likely it could form into a tropical depression by the early portions of next week in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean. While it won’t pose a threat immediately, it’ll be something we keep an eye on over the coming days.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 23, 2022
Sweltering Heat Wave Continues; Relief Possible Next Week
THURSDAY: Still under the upper ridge, expect more of the same regarding heat and humidity across central and southwest Mississippi. Highs will top out in the middle to upper 90s amid a mostly sunny sky. A few isolated storms could bubble up with the daytime heating as a weak front slips southward – which, coupled with the humidity will feel closer to 102-108 again. Any storms will tamp down quickly after sunset with lows in the middle 70s.
FRIDAY: In the wake of the weak front, humidity levels will ease down slightly to round out the work week, mainly N/E of Metro Jackson – but we’ll keep the heat in place as highs press their way back toward the upper 90s for yet another day. Expect mostly sunny skies with light breezes. A few isolated storms could bubble up S/W of Metro Jackson during the afternoon. Lows will drop into the middle 70s.
EXTENDED PERIOD: The expansive upper ridge overhead will keep chances rain at bay for Saturday and push temperatures to a maximum. Expect highs nearing 100 – with heat stress levels pegging the ‘elevated’ category each day, feeling between 105-110 daily. Record highs will also be challenged. By Sunday, a weakness on the ridge’s eastern flank could provide a little relief, in the form of widely spaced showers and storms – with better opportunities looking to emerge early next week as front slips southward. Highs will be in the lower to middle 90s.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 22, 2022
Summer Sizzle Continues Late Week
WEDNESDAY: A weak disturbance could kick up a few storms through the afternoon – but outside of that, expect mostly to partly sunny skies with highs in the middle to upper 90s. We’ll approach a record but should fall just short. With the added humidity levels, expect ‘feel like’ temperatures between 102-108. Any storms that flare up should fall apart quickly after sunset. Lows will fall only in the middle 70s.
THURSDAY: Still under the upper ridge, expect more of the same regarding heat and humidity across central and southwest Mississippi. Highs will top out in the middle to upper 90s amid a mostly sunny sky. A few isolated storms could bubble up with the daytime heating – which, coupled with the humidity will feel closer to 102-108 again. Any storms will tamp down quickly after sunset with lows in the middle 70s.
EXTENDED PERIOD: The expansive upper ridge overhead will keep chances rain at a premium through the late work week and push temperatures to a maximum. Expect highs in the upper 90s to near 100 late week – with heat stress levels pegging the ‘elevated’ category each day, feeling between 105-110 daily. Record highs will also be challenged. By Sunday, a weakness on the ridge’s eastern flank could provide a little relief, in the form of widely spaced showers and storms – with better opportunities looking to emerge early next week.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 21, 2022
Welcome Summer - Your Heat Is Already Here
TUESDAY: Humidity levels, thanks to a southerly breeze kicking in, will start to spike once again. Expect mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 90s – factoring in the humidity will put heat stress levels between 102-107. Extra caution should be taken if you have to be outside for any prolonged period of time. A rogue pop-up storm can’t be ruled out. Lows will drop back into the middle 70s by early Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY: A weak disturbance could kick up a few pop-up storms here & there through the afternoon – but outside of that, expect mostly to partly sunny skies with highs in the upper 90s. We’ll approach a record but should fall just short. With the added humidity levels, expect ‘feel like’ temperatures between 102-107 again. Any storms that flare up should fall apart quickly after sunset. Lows will fall only in the middle 70s.
EXTENDED PERIOD: The expansive upper ridge overhead will keep chances rain at a premium through the mid-late work week and push temperatures to a maximum. Expect highs in the upper 90s to near 100 late week – with heat stress levels pegging the ‘elevated’ category each day, feeling between 103-108 on a daily basis. Record highs will also be challenged late week. By Sunday, a weakness on the ridge’s eastern flank could provide a little relief, in the form of widely spaced showers and storms – with better opportunities looking to emerge early next week.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 20, 2022
Deep Summer Heat Continues with the Approach of the New Season
MONDAY: While humidity levels will remain in check today, the heat cranks up an extra notch through the afternoon hours. Expect another mainly to mostly sunny day with highs in the middle to, a few, upper 90s. Feels like temps won’t be terribly off the baseline, due to the tolerable humidity levels. We’ll stay mainly clear overnight with lows in the lower to middle 70s.
TUESDAY: More of the same – though, humidity levels, thanks to a southerly breeze kicking in, will start to spike once again. Expect mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 90s – factoring in the humidity will put heat stress levels between 102-108. Extra caution should be taken if you have to be outside for any prolonged period of time. A rogue pop-up storm can’t be ruled out. Lows will drop back into the middle 70s by early Wednesday.
EXTENDED PERIOD: The expansive upper ridge overhead will keep chances rain at a premium through the mid-late work week and push temperatures to a maximum. Expect highs in the upper 90s to near 100 late week – with heat stress levels pegging the ‘elevated’ category each day, feeling between 103-109 on a daily basis. Record highs will also be challenged late week. By Sunday, a weakness on the ridge’s eastern flank could provide a little relief, in the form of widely spaced showers and storms.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 17, 2022
Draining Heat, Humidity Friday, Saturday; Slight Relief Sunday
FRIDAY: More heat and humidity heading into the end of the work week. Amid a mix of sun and clouds, expect temperatures to quickly warm up toward the middle to upper 90s. Yet again, ‘feels like’ temperatures will run between 103-110°. A few storms may develop during the late afternoon hours quickly fading after sunset.
WEEKEND PLANNER: A backdoor front will help ease down heat issues for a brief moment in time, but before that, expect more of the same for Saturday. Highs will top out in the middle to upper 90s amid mostly to partly sunny skies. By afternoon, widely scattered storms could develop as the front slips farther south. Lows will drop into the lower to middle 70s. Sunday – while still very hot, humidity levels will have dropped enough that heat indices will not crest much above 100. Expect sunshine through the day.
EXTENDED FORECAST: A reassertion of the upper heat ridge will push temperatures toward the brink of creating near 100° for actual temperatures next week. As of now, we’ll continue to forecast middle to upper 90s on a daily basis, with humidity levels gradually beginning to increase yet again by mid-week. Very isolated opportunities for rain will emerge amid hot, humid and hazy conditions.
TALKIN’ TROPICS: A broad area of low pressure near Central America continues to look ragged in the Gulf of Honduras. As of now, this does not look to pose an issue for the Gulf of Mexico and is more likely to drift onshore, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to Honduras, Belize and southern Mexico.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 16, 2022
Deep Summer Heat Continues to Bear Down on Mississippi
THURSDAY: Another hot and steamy day will take us into the latter parts of the work week. Expect a mix of clouds and sunshine through the day with a chance for widely scattered storms to develop through the late afternoon and evening hours. A few of the storms could be gusty with small hail. Highs will top out in the middle to upper 90s; ‘feels like’ temperatures running between 103-110°. Heat precautions should be taken during the peak heating of the day. Storms will tend to fade before midnight with lows in the 70s.
FRIDAY: More heat and humidity heading into the end of the work week. Amid a mix of sun and clouds, expect temperatures to quickly warm up toward the middle to upper 90s. Yet again, ‘feels like’ temperatures will run between 103-110°. A few storms may develop during the late afternoon hours quickly fading after sunset.
EXTENDED FORECAST: A reassertion of the upper heat ridge will push temperatures toward the brink of creating at or near 100° for actual temperatures next week. At times, storms could flare up as minor disturbances round the edges of the ridge this weekend. By next week, only very isolated opportunities for rain will emerge amid hot, humid and hazy conditions.
TALKIN’ TROPICS: A broad area of low pressure near Central America could attempt to gather itself through the latter part of the week and become something more consolidated. As of now, this does not look to pose an issue for the Gulf of Mexico and is more likely to drift onshore, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to Nicaragua and Honduras.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 10, 2022
ALERT DAY: Strong Storm Threat Friday
ALERT DAY FRIDAY: Our storm track turns active as another disturbance is poised to bring a wave of storms to central and southwest Mississippi through the day. An ALERT DAY has been hoisted for an elevated risk for damaging winds. Large hail and even a small tornado risk are also in play. The main timing will be between 9 AM and 4 PM. Highs will top out in the 80s to near 90. Stay weather aware through the day. Severe weather risk diminishes, but there is a risk for storms redeveloping overnight into early Saturday with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
WEEKEND PLANNER: With our front still hung up over the area on Saturday, we’ll see another chance for scattered showers and storms to develop amid a variably cloudy sky. Highs will top out in the upper 80s to near 90. The front pushes northward again – clearing us up, bringing the heat back into the fold through Sunday. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the lower to middle 90s.
EXTENDED FORECAST: As a new ridge looks to appear through next week, expect highs to surge well into the middle to, even some, upper 90s through much of the week. Heat stress could hit dangerous levels, especially through mid-late week. A few storms could mix in from time to time, but most hours will likely be just hot and humid.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx
June 09, 2022
Typical June Heat Thursday; Storm Threat Increases Friday
THURSDAY: The front will continue to slip farther south through the day – in some areas north of I-20, a drop in humidity may be noted; while farther south in the deeper moisture, heat and humidity will continue. This could help fuel another round of afternoon storms amid a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Storms will tend to fall apart, gradually, after sunset as lows fall into the lower to middle 70s.
FRIDAY: Our storm track turns active as another disturbance is poised to bring a wave of storms to central and southwest Mississippi through the day. A few of the storms could be strong with gusty winds, large hail and even, a small tornado risk. Highs will top out in the 80s where storms are more prevalent; 90s are possible in areas where storms avoid amid a mix of cloud and sun. A few storms could stick around overnight with lows in the lower 70s.
EXTENDED FORECAST: As the ridge breaks, expect highs into the upper 80s to near 90 Saturday. A few showers and storms will still be possible amid variably cloudy skies Saturday. We’ll turn partly cloudy, and the heat will start to build once again with highs in the lower 90s Sunday. As a new ridge looks to appear through next week, expect highs to surge well into the middle 90s through much of the week. A few storms could mix in from time to time, but most hours will likely be just hot and humid.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx