MS News Now, First Alert Weather Blog

Active Weather Ahead

The warming trend kicks in today! Starting out near 50 degrees this morning; highs surge into the lower 70s by afternoon as clouds continue to increase. Despite the clouds, most spots remain dry through early evening. Unfortunately, the warmer weather is happening in advance of our next storm system that will bring widespread rain Monday through Wednesday night, including a significant risk for flooding. On average, we're expecting 4-6 inches in Central Mississippi with the potential for locally higher amounts. In addition to the flask flooding threat, strong to severe storms are possible both Monday and Wednesday. For Monday, damaging straight line wind is the primary threat. Wednesday threats include damaging wind along with the chance for a few tornadoes. Stay with WLBT and Fox 40 for the latest forecast updates.

 

Michael Haynes

Quiet Weekend Ahead

FRIDAY: After a frosty start to your Friday, sunshine will shake that chill off through the day. Expect highs to rebound back to near-normal, in the 50s to near 60. We’ll stay quiet and dry into Friday night – lows dropping into the upper 30s and lower 40s.  


WEEKEND PLANNER: A weak system will sweep past the area Saturday – billowing up a few clouds and could spark a shower or two. Highs will top out in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Sunday trends a bit warmer, similar to last weekend, nearing 70 amid a mix of sun and clouds.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: An unsettled pattern with an active sub-tropical jet stream will keep moisture flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico and off the Pacific Ocean through much of next week. Several waves of rain and storms will bring up the possibility of localized flooding and minor river rises amid the daily opportunities for rain. Expect highs Monday to top out near 70; turning back the dial into the 60s through mid-late week.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Winter's Chill Returns Thursday

THURSDAY: A few spritz and sprinkles will continue through the day, though, another chance for scattered showers will be possible by early evening. Rain will taper off tonight and skies will gradually clear into Thursday night. Lows will drop into the lower to middle 30s.  
 
FRIDAY: After a frosty start to your Friday, sunshine will shake that chill off through the day. Expect highs to rebound back to near-normal, in the upper 50s and lower 60s. We’ll stay quiet and dry into Friday night – lows dropping into the lower to middle 40s.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: A weak system may spark a few showers Saturday before clearing Sunday amid temperatures warming back into the 60s. Highs near 70 return ahead of another chance for rain and storms early next week. Rounds of rain and storms will likely continue to be an issue through the middle and latter parts of next week amid the warmth and mugginess.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

ALERT DAY: Rain, Storms, A Few Strong, Possible Wednesday

WEDNESDAY: The sluggish front will bring a round of showers and storms to the region. A few of the storms could be strong with gusty winds, hail and a few spin-up tornadoes. Highs will top out in the 70s. A lower storm coverage and evolution of a severe threat could come to fruition if a complex of storms develops near the Gulf Coast. Storms will end through the evening, but scattered showers will continue as lows drop into the 40s. 


THURSDAY: The sluggish front will keep an opportunity of showers in the forecast through mid-day. Temperatures will slip downward into the upper 40s and lower 50s through the day amid a brisk northwest breeze. Rain will taper into the afternoon and skies will gradually clear into Thursday night. Lows will drop into the lower to middle 30s.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: High pressure will slip into the region, bringing sun for Friday. Highs will rebound to near 60. A weak system may spark a few showers Saturday before clearing Sunday amid temperatures warming back into the 60s. Highs near 70 return ahead of another chance for rain and storms early next week. 
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Rain, Storms Mid-Week; A Few Could Be Strong

TUESDAY: Clouds will be commonplace through the day with highs rebounding into the 60s and 70s. Scattered passing showers and storms will be possible, so having an umbrella may be a good thing. Rain chances will diminish, but still will be possible through the overnight period as lows drop into the lower to middle 60s.


WEDNESDAY: The sluggish front will bring a round of showers and storms to the region. A few of the storms could be strong with gusty winds and hail. Highs will top out in the 70s. A lower storm coverage and evolution of a severe threat could come to fruition if a complex of storms develops near the Gulf Coast. Storms will end through the evening, but scattered showers will continue as lows drop into the 40s. 
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: Behind the front, temperatures will drop into the 40s and 50s with showers continuing Thursday. Sun returns Friday; a weak system may spark a few showers Saturday before clearing Sunday amid temperatures warming back into the 60s. Highs near 70 may briefly return ahead of another chance for rain and storms early next week. 
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Warm Start To Work Week; Rain, Storms Mid-Week

MONDAY: Heading back to work and school on Monday will feature warm temperatures and sunshine amid clouds building back into the region. Morning 40s and 50s will give way to 60s and 70s by afternoon. A stray shower or two will be possible late, but most will remain dry. A few more showers possible overnight with lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s.  


TUESDAY: Clouds will be commonplace through the day with highs rebounding into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Scattered showers and storms will be possible, so having an umbrella may be a good thing. A strong storm or two will be possible late Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday as a slow cold front moves into the region. 
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: Storms will continue into Wednesday – a few of which could be strong. Main threats look to be strong wind and hail, though a spin-up tornado can’t be ruled out. Highs will still be in the upper 60s and lower 70s ahead of the front. Behind the front, temperatures will drop into the 40s and 50s with showers continuing Thursday. Sun returns Friday; a weak system may spark a few showers Saturday before clearing Sunday amid temperatures warming back into the 60s.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllis