MS News Now, First Alert Weather Blog

Wet, Stormy Weather Into the Weekend

TONIGHT-THURSDAY: Scattered showers this afternoon will lead to widespread rain and storms late tonight into Thursday. Heavy rain will be the big story; on average, we're expecting 1 to 2 inches through Thursday afternoon. In terms of the severe threat, a few strong storms are possible due to the potential for gusty wind, but the overall severe threat is low. 

WEEKEND: A break in the rain during the day Friday, then a stronger system will bring a better opportunity for strong to severe storms. The first round arrives late Friday night/early Saturday morning. A second round is possible Saturday afternoon (although, still some question marks whether the atmosphere will have time to become unstable enough following the morning storms). Then, a 3rd round early Sunday morning as the cold front arrives. Threats include: damaging wind, large hail, a few tornadoes, and heavy rain.

Please keep in mind, this is a complex forecast, and the details are not set in stone. We'll keep you posted! 

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

Active Weather Ahead

Rain continues this afternoon in from the Delta into North Mississippi; additional spotty showers are possible farther south, but the more organized rain will remain NW of the Natchez Trace Parkway along a cold front. North of the front, temperatures are running in the 50s and 60s with 70s to the south.

Rain increases Wednesday, then becomes more widespread and heavy during the day Thursday. Some strong to potentially severe storms are possible, Thursday, although the overall severe threat is marginal. Otherwise, we remain well above normal with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s & 60s.

A stronger system arrives this weekend, bringing a better chance for severe weather Saturday into early Sunday. Something we'll need to watch carefully, so please stay with us over the coming days for updates.  

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

Warm Weather Continues

Some areas of dense fog again this morning. Otherwise cool, although still warmer than average with temperatures starting out in the upper 40s. Fog clears by 9AM, followed by another pleasant spring like day with afternoon temperatures in the 70s, under a mix of sun and clouds. A brief shower is possible, but most of us stay dry. 

The pattern becomes unsettled again next week, leading to an increase in the number of showers and storms. Still, showers will remain scattered through midweek, meaning it will not rain everywhere or constantly.  

A more significant system arrives Thursday or early Friday, bringing the potential for strong to severe storms. 

Michael Haynes

 

 

Morning Fog, Pleasant Afternoon

Dense fog this morning is creating dangerous travel conditions, so please drive carefully if you are out early. Fog clears by 9AM, followed by a beautiful spring like day with afternoon temperatures in the 70s along with lower humidity. Otherwise, a mix of sun and clouds. A brief shower is possible Sunday, but most of us stay dry through the weekend. 

The pattern becomes unsettled again next week, leading to an increase in the number of showers and storms. Still, showers will remain scattered through midweek, meaning it will not rain everywhere or constantly.  

A more significant system arrives late next week toward Thursday evening or Friday, bringing the potential for strong to severe storms. We'll keep you posted. 

Michael Haynes

 

Warmth Rolls Into Weekend Ahead

REST OF FRIDAY: Clouds continue to break up for partial sunshine through the afternoon hours  - temperatures will stay warm – mainly in the lower and middle 70s. We'll keep mention of a few isolated showers this afternoon – many will likely stay dry. Tonight, expect variably cloudy skies with a few patches of fog – lows in the 50s.  



 
SATURDAY / SUNDAY: Similar to the past few mornings – a few zones of fog and cloudiness will break for sunshine into the afternoon hours. Highs will be in the lower and middle 70s.  If you like the forecast for Saturday – put a rubber stamp on it and roll it into your Sunday virtually. Lows both nights will be in the 50s. 



 
NEXT WEEK: A frontal boundary will begin its trek southward after likely causing a 'crippling' ice storm in parts of southern Plains and Midwest. This will not bring any wintry weather to central Mississippi, but may bring a chance for strong storms by Tuesday and Wednesday. In the meantime, clouds will thicken with chances for rain increasing by Monday – better chances coming for Tuesday and Wednesday amid highs hanging out in the 70s. Behind the front, it looks that we stay a bit unsettled as a new system emerges in the flow to bring another chance for rain by Thursday and Friday – all amid temperatures in the lower 70s. 



Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Warm Weather Continues, Storm Chances Next Week

Spring-like weather continues to the name of the game across central Mississippi into the upcoming weekend – all the while, staying slightly unsettled.  
 
TONIGHT: Clouds will break for a bit of clearing tonight before rolling back into in the form of dense fog - especially south of I-20. Use caution as you head out the door. Lows will drop into the lower 60s. 
 
FRIDAY: Clouds, fog will start the day off – but similar to the past few days, they'll break for some sunshine for the afternoon hours. Highs running between 72 – 76°, to keep the March feel rolling into the weekend. An isolated shower can't be ruled out, but isn't the most dominate part of the forecast.  
 
WEEKEND THOUGHTS: If you have weekend plans, most definitely don't cancel them! Our weather looks to stay quiet and likely dry with highs both Saturday and Sunday in the 70s; lows dropping off in the 50s amid a mix of sun and clouds.  
 
NEXT WEEK: A frontal boundary will begin its trek southward after likely causing a 'crippling' ice storm in parts of southern Plains and Midwest. This will not bring any wintry weather to central Mississippi, but may bring a chance for strong storms by Tuesday and Wednesday. In the meantime, clouds will thicken with chances for rain increasing by Monday – better chances coming for Tuesday and Wednesday amid highs hanging out in the 70s. Behind the front, we dry out through late Wednesday and continue into Thursday, with slightly cooler air to work with – in the upper 60s. 

Patrick Ellis
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Big Warming Trend

Windy and much warmer today... The warming trend continues with temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s; we also have a strong south wind with speeds between 20 and 30 mph, gusting over 30. A brief shower is possible, but widespread rain is not expected.

We remain unseasonably warm through the weekend; highs will run in the upper 70s to possibly 80 by Saturday. A few showers are possible each day, but widespread rain is not expected. 

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

 

Cold Morning; Turning Warmer

Another dangerously cold Winter morning in Mississippi. Early morning temperatures are in the teens, which is a good 15 to 20 degrees below normal for early January. Fortunately, the wind has decreased, but even with a very light breeze, it feels like lower teens. Road conditions have drastically improved thanks to the sunshine yesterday, but still patchy ice and slick spots remain this morning.

A warming trend begins today; although still chilly, we go above freezing by late morning with afternoon highs in the upper 30s and low 40s. The warming trend ramps up next week; temperatures soar to near 70 by Tuesday, then middle to upper 70s for the second half of the week.

Michael Haynes

Bitter Cold!

Roads remain icy early this morning, so please stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. Also, dangerously cold! Most locations are starting out in the upper teens with wind chills in the single digits. Fortunately, sunshine returns today, but despite the sun we remain awfully cold; afternoon temperatures will struggle warm above freezing with wind chills in the teens and 20s.

Another bitter cold night tonight with lows between 14 and 18 degrees Sunday morning.

A warming trend begins during the day Sunday; highs return to the upper 30s and low 40s. Believe it or not, we're expecting 70s next week!

Michael Haynes

Friday Afternoon Update

A winter storm warning continues for Central and South Mississippi until midnight tonight where a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow will create hazardous driving conditions.

Precipitation will increase in coverage and intensity over the coming hours. Accumulation of 1 to 2 inches of snow is possible near the I-20 corridor this afternoon. Precipitation ends this evening, then clearing and very cold over the weekend. Temperatures dip into the upper teens and low 20s tomorrow morning, and will struggle to reach the upper 30s all day, despite sunshine returning. Even colder Sunday morning with lows between 15 and 20. 

Take it easy on the roads today and tonight, especially bridges and overpasses. If you don't have to get out, please stay home!

Michael Haynes