After near-record warmth Saturday afternoon – expect a big shock to the system after a strong cold front blasts through the region late tonight, bringing with it a chance for storms ahead of the cold air.
TONIGHT: Clouds will gradually thicken up again ahead of our cold front. Pre-front, temperatures will likely hold steady in the 70s. Behind the front, we'll quickly drop off into the 30s and 40s with a brisk north/northwest wind following it.
SEVERE WEATHER POTENTIAL: As the strong cold front approach the region, we’ll be watching a line of showers and storms moving through the area late Saturday and early Sunday. The primary risk will come from damaging wind gusts, but a rogue spin-up tornado can’t be ruled out. The time frame will run from about 9 pm near the Mississippi River to around 1-3 am in the Metro to 5-6 am moving into southeast Mississippi.
SUNDAY: Bundle up! Don’t expect temperatures to much – if anything. Afternoon temperatures will be mainly in the 30s and lower 40s; wind chills will be well into the upper 20s and lower 30s. Don’t be surprised to see a few sleet pellets mixing in with any lingering showers in the area through mid-day. Skies will break up for some stars overnight with lows dropping into the 20s.
EARLY WEEK: Expect a chilly start to the next work with – with partly sunny skies, we’ll only manage highs on Monday in the 40s; making it near 50 by Tuesday and even nearing 60 by Wednesday.
LATE WEEK: A cold front will drop into the area by late Wednesday, sparking a chance for a few showers south of US 84 into early Thursday before clearing out. Expect a few quiet days leading up to Christmas with highs in the 50s on Thursday and Friday. Another system may approach the region by Saturday – this could bring a chance for rain with highs in the 60s.
Patrick Ellis
WLBT / FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx