MS News Now, First Alert Weather Blog

Spring Steam!

TODAY: Feeling more like late spring than April!... Temperatures are soaring into the middle 80s this afternoon under a mix of sun and clouds. Also, humidity levels are running fairly high for this time of year, making it feel like late May and early June. An isolated shower is possible before sunset, but any shower that develops will be few and far between. 

THURSDAY-FRIDAY: Storms become more widespread late Thursday night and Friday in advance of a cold front. The severe threat is low, although we can't completely rule out gusty straight line wind and large hail that could reach severe limits. The greatest threat for strong storms will remain north of I-20 Thursday night, then South Mississippi (South of I-20) Friday morning and afternoon. 

WEEKEND: The front stalls near Highway 98/South Mississippi this weekend, serving as a focal point for scattered showers and a few storms. Due to the location of the front, points over the southern third of the state will have a 50/50 shot of getting wet on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but we are not expecting a constant, widespread rain. Otherwise, temperatures remain well above average with highs in the upper 70s to near 80 Saturday, and low to middle 80s Sunday.    

Be sure to join us this evening and tonight on WLBT and Fox 40 for the latest forecast updates! You can also find me on social media: Facebook and Twitter

Michael Haynes

 

Severe Threat Ending

Good news! The Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been cancelled. Even though the threat for severe weather is diminishing, storms will continue to produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, and some gusty wind as the line moves southeast over the coming hours...

  

Have a wonderful Easter Weekend!

Michael Haynes

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the counties highlighted in blue until midnight; generally, this covers everyone north of I-20 and along & west of I-55. The primary severe threats are damaging straight line wind and large hail... 

The National Weather Service Has Issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch
24 In Effect Until Midnight Cdt Tonight For The Following Areas

In Arkansas This Watch Includes 2 Counties

In Southeast Arkansas

Ashley Chicot

In Louisiana This Watch Includes 5 Parishes

In Northeast Louisiana

East Carroll Madison Morehouse
Richland West Carroll

In Mississippi This Watch Includes 17 Counties

In Central Mississippi

Attala Choctaw Holmes
Humphreys Madison Yazoo

In North Central Mississippi

Carroll Grenada Leflore
Montgomery Webster

In Northwest Mississippi

Bolivar Sunflower Washington

In West Central Mississippi

Issaquena Sharkey Warren

This Includes The Cities Of...Ackerman...Anguilla...Bastrop...
Belzoni...Canton...Carrollton...Cleveland...Crossett...Delhi...
Dermott...Durant...Epps...Eudora...Eupora...Goodman...
Greenville...Greenwood...Grenada...Hamburg...Indianola...Isola...
Kosciusko...Lake Providence...Lake Village...Lexington...Maben...
Madison...Mathiston...Mayersville...North Carrollton...
North Crossett...Oak Grove...Pickens...Rayville...Ridgeland...
Rolling Fork...Ruleville...Tallulah...Tchula...Vaiden...
Vicksburg...Weir...West Crossett...Winona And Yazoo City.

 

Michael Haynes

Friday Afternoon Update

Very warm day, but some major changes are ahead... 

Temperatures are soaring into the middle 80s this afternoon, which is more than 10 degrees above average! Unfortunately, this warm air will add 'fuel to the fire' in the development of strong to severe storms this evening and tonight as cold front moves across the state. Most of the storms should remain within a squall line, keeping the tornado threat minimal; however, damaging straight line wind and large hail are possible. The main line arrives in Central Mississippi between 6pm and 9 o'clock and South Mississippi between 9 o'clock and midnight. Due to the loss of daytime heating after sunset, the storms will progressively weaken as they move into South Mississippi. 

After the cold front passes, pleasant air blows in from the north, decreasing humidity levels and dropping highs to near 70 degrees tomorrow. Clouds increase Easter morning in advance of a disturbance that will deliver hit and miss showers during the day. While it won't rain all day, be prepared for a passing shower at any point. 

As always, we'll keep you posted, and be sure to join us this evening and tonight on WLBT for the latest updates! You can also find me on social media: Facebook and Twitter

Michael Haynes

Severe Storms Possible Friday

Lots of weather changes ahead, including the possibility for severe storms...

 

For the rest of this afternoon, a few hit and miss showers or storms are possible, but like previous days, the coverage will be limited. Otherwise, a mix of sun & clouds and very warm with highs in the low to middle 80s! 

 

As we've mentioned throughout this week, there is a potential for strong to severe storms Friday afternoon and evening as a cold front moves across the state. The primary severe threats include hail and damaging straight line wind. At this point, the wind profile looks unfavorable for tornado development, but this is April in Mississippi and the unexpected does happen. Bottom line, this is not a set-up for a widespread tornado outbreak, but something we'll need to closely monitor as the system evolves. The storms will move across the state within a squall line that should arrive in Central and South Mississippi late tomorrow afternoon and evening, generally between 7pm and 11pm. Due to the loss of daytime heating after sunset, the storms will progressively weaken as they move into South Mississippi.

 

 

After the front passes, dry and very pleasant air arrives. Sunshine returns Saturday, and with low humidity and highs near 70, it will feel awfully nice! For Easter Day, clouds increase throughout the morning in advance of a disturbance. Unfortunately, based on the latest model data, showers are looking more likely than previously thought. While we aren't expecting a wash-out, be prepared for a passing shower at any point.  

 

Be sure to join us this evening and tonight on WLBT for the latest forecast updates! You can also find me on social media: Facebook and Twitter

Michael Haynes