MS News Now, First Alert Weather Blog

Sally Continue Chugging Through Alabama; Warm & Breezy In Mississippi

WEDNESDAY: Hurricane Sally will make its closest pass to the region through the day – bringing with it gusty winds and a few downpours. The heaviest rain and wind impacts will remain well east of our area. Highs, amid the clouds and breezes, will top out in the 80s – gusts could be around 20-30 mph through the afternoon hours. Clouds break a little overnight with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s.  


SALLY IMPACTS: The storm is expected turn slowly northward through the day – making landfall late tonight or Wednesday morning along the northern Gulf Coast. While the track takes most of the impacts away from our local area – the possibility of flooding rain of 10-30"+, hurricane force winds and high storm surge are possible along the northern Gulf Coast. 
 
THURSDAY: As Sally sluggishly turns northeastward – in its wake, a front will begin to slip southward across our area. With that, expect a mix of clouds and sun with highs in the 80s with continued gusty breezes in the 20-30 mph range. A shower or two can’t be ruled out, though most will remain dry.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: As Sally moves farther away – a front will be trekking southward into the latter part of the week and into the weekend. That front will move through the area by Friday into Saturday, ushering in a drop in humidity and drop in temperatures. Expect highs in the lower to middle 80s; morning lows dipping into the upper 50s and lower 60s Sunday morning through next Tuesday.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Impacts Lessen Locally As Sally Approaches Gulf Coast

TUESDAY: Expect Tuesday to be a transition day with occasional gusty breezes amid variably cloudy skies as Hurricane Sally make a track closer to the Gulf Coast. A few gusts could hit 30-35 mph during the afternoon hours. A few, far reaching, feeder bands may rotate through the area during the afternoon hours as highs range from the lower to middle 80s south to the upper 80s and lower 90s north. Clouds will hold firm overnight with lows dropping into the 70s. 


WEDNESDAY: Hurricane Sally will make its closest pass to the region through the day – bringing with it, occasional rain bands with gusty wind and downpours. As of now, we don’t anticipate a persistent rain scenario to play out and the heaviest rain and wind impacts will remain east of our area. Highs, amid the clouds and breezes, will top out in the 80s – gusts could be around 40 mph for areas south and east of Metro Jackson through Wednesday.  
 
SALLY COASTAL IMPACTS: The storm is expected turn slowly northward through the day – making landfall late tonight or Wednesday morning along the northern Gulf Coast. While the track takes most of the impacts away from our local area – the possibility of flooding rain of 10-20"+, hurricane force winds and high storm surge are possible along the northern Gulf Coast. 
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: Sally will gradually turn away from the area – and in its wake – a stalled front will get a push from an upper trough that will eventually drag down some cooler and drier air through the latter part of the week and into the weekend. Expect highs, as skies begin to clear, to be in the lower to middle 80s with lows running the lower 60s.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Summery Monday; Impacts from Sally Possible Late Tuesday, Wednesday

MONDAY: Heading back to work and school – expect a typical September day with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s amid a mix of clouds and sun. Afternoon showers and storms could develop as Sally continues its approach to the central Gulf Coast. Variably cloudy skies remain overnight as lows drop into the lower to middle 70s.


TUESDAY: Tuesday will be a transition day locally as Sally begins to inch closer to the coastline. Current trends suggest a quicker turn toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This will have big implications to our local forecast impacts moving into Tuesday night and Wednesday. Expect a few far outer bands to rotate through amid the cloudier skies with highs in the 80s for most.

TS SALLY: The storm continues on its westward track and is likely to gain more strength today as it nears the coastal areas of Louisiana. As of now, impacts continue to be lower for much of our area, though we do expect some impact, mainly east of I-55 where we could have some wind gusts to tropical storm force at times by late Tuesday into Wednesday along with heavy rain potential. The farther east the center goes, the less of an impact the storm will have locally; the farther west, the higher the impact. At any rate, parts of eastern Mississippi stand to pick up a substantial amount of rainfall through mid-week, while western Mississippi may not see much at all. We aren’t out of the woods yet - some impacts will still be felt with periods of heavy rain and gusty winds as the storm moves farther inland through late Tuesday into Wednesday, but the extent of those impacts will be smaller scope, mainly east of I-55. Heavy rain axis will remain on the eastern side of the storm - where dangerous flooding (10-20″+) will be likely for southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama.

EXTENDED FORECAST: Sally will gradually turn northeast and pull away from Mississippi through the latter part of the week. Expect a front push of drier air push into the region heading into the upcoming weekend that would allow for a drop in humidity and temperatures.

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

 

Turning Unsettled; Eye on the Tropics Through Next Week

FRIDAY: High pressure will push a little farther east through the day, allowing for muggier air to flow back into the area from the southeast. Expect morning sunshine with afternoon cloudiness and opportunities for scattered showers and storms to develop. Highs will manage the lower 90s. Storms fade after sunset with lows in the lower 70s.  


WEEKEND PLANNER: Sandwiched in between a stalled front to the west and a Gulf disturbance – expect more clouds and opportunities for showers and storms to come up through the weekend ahead. Saturday will start quiet, though expect clouds to build – eventually yield storms by the afternoon. Highs will top out in the upper 80s and lower 90s. The Gulf disturbance will inch closer Sunday – bringing a heightened chance for storms amid highs in the upper 80s to near 90. Storms will tend fade after sunset both nights with lows in the lower to middle 70s. 

EXTENDED FORECAST: The weak Gulf disturbance will lift northward over the southeast into the early parts of the week. Expect periods of rain and storms to continue throughout the week. Highs will ease back into the upper 80s – more typical of mid-September. Still, nearby, the stalled front holds over the region, acting as a focal mechanism for the storms to develop. The front will gradually slide south through the late parts of the week, eventually taking rain chances downward by next weekend. In its wake, highs will be in the middle 80s.  
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic remains very active with one wave nearing the Carolina coast that will provide tropical rains and surf issues through mid-late week. Another wave will push off western Africa and will have ‘high’ chance for development as it is expected to trek westward into next week. Another wave near the Bahamas could also develop as it crosses into the Gulf – the chance exists that it could become a tropical depression – at any rate, it will likely just provide heightened rain chances locally next week along with the stalled front. Paulette and Rene both look to be more of ‘fish storms’ - both likely to stay away from the US mainland, though Paulette may get close to Bermuda by early next week.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Hot, Humid Thursday; Rain Chances Increase Into Weekend

THURSDAY: High pressure holds firm over the area, keeping temperatures toasty and rain chances at a minimum. Expect highs in the lower and middle 90s with mostly to partly sunny skies. A stray shower or storm can’t be ruled out, though many remain dry again. Storms that do flare up will fizzle quickly after sunset with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. 


FRIDAY: High pressure will push a little farther east through the day, allowing for muggier air to flow back into the area from the southeast. Expect morning sunshine with afternoon cloudiness and opportunities for widely spaced showers and storms to develop – mainly south and east of Metro Jackson. Highs will manage the lower 90s. Storms fade after sunset with lows in the lower 70s.  

EXTENDED FORECAST: An approaching front will bring a substantial cool down to the Great Plains, eventually, stalling over our area through much of the extended forecast. Expect a mix of clouds and sun daily amid a risk for scattered, mainly, afternoon storms to flare up. Highs will top out in the upper 80s and lower 90s – typical fare for mid-September. The front may pass through the region later next week, but the cooler air that brought down across the Plains will have faded by that point in time. 
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic remains very active with one wave nearing the Carolina coast that will provide tropical rains and surf issues through mid-late week. Another wave will push off western Africa and will have ‘high’ chance for development as it is expected to trek westward into next week. Another wave near the Bahamas, coupled with a small disturbance in the NE Gulf could also develop as it crosses into the Gulf – the chance is low, but will likely help provide heightened rain chances locally next week along with the stalled front. Paulette and Rene both look to be more of ‘fish storms’ - both likely to stay away from the US mainland, though Paulette may get close to Bermuda by early next week.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Heat Holds Firm; Rain Chances Increase Into Weekend

WEDNESDAY: Once again, sunshine will greet many heading out the door for your Wednesday; a few puffy cumulus clouds may yield an isolated shower or storm by the afternoon hours. Expect highs into top out in the lower 90s. Storms will fade after sunset with lows dropping into the upper 60s and lower 70s amid clearing skies.  
 


THURSDAY: High pressure holds firm over the area, keeping temperatures toasty and rain chances at a minimum. Expect highs in the lower and middle 90s with mostly to partly sunny skies. A stray shower or storm can’t be ruled out, though many remain dry again. Storms that do flare up will fizzle quickly after sunset with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. 

EXTENDED FORECAST: An approaching front will bring a substantial cool down to the Great Plains but will stay mainly west of our area through much of the extended forecast. Expect a mix of clouds and sun daily amid a risk for scattered, mainly, afternoon storms to flare up. Highs will top out in the upper 80s and lower 90s – typical fare for mid-September. The front may pass through the region later next week, but the cooler air that brought down across the Plains will have faded by that point in time. 
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic remains very active with one wave nearing the Carolina coast that will provide tropical rains and surf issues through mid-late week. Another wave will pushing off western Africa and will have ‘high’ chance for development as it is expected to trek westward into next week. Paulette and Rene both look to be more of ‘fish storms’ - both likely to stay away from the US mainland, though Paulette may get close to Bermuda by early next week.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Summery Heat Persists Post-Labor Day

TUESDAY: Heading back to work and school, post-holiday weekend; more September heat will get us back into the groove of things. Expect highs in the lower to middle 90s with mostly to partly sunny skies. A few afternoon pop-up storms can’t be ruled out, though many will remain dry.  


WEDNESDAY: Once again, sunshine will greet many heading out the door for your Wednesday; a few puffy cumulus clouds may yield an isolated shower or storm by the afternoon hours. Expect highs into top out in the lower 90s.  

EXTENDED FORECAST: The long range forecast full depends on the passage (or not) of a front that will be swing Denver, Colorado from the 90s on Labor Day, into the 30s with snow by Tuesday morning. The system is expected to blast through the Plains states – but slow down as it begins to turn farther east. As of now, the coolest air will remain north and west of our region. A stalled front nearby to the region will spark a scattering of storms into the weekend and next week.  
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic has continued to churn out system after system; now featuring Tropical Storm Paulette and Tropical Depression 18 in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Multiple waves coming off west Africa have medium to high chances of development into the weekend and early next week as the Main Development Region become highly favorable for development. Expect a flurry of activity into this week with multiple systems on the board. In the short term, no immediate US threats. 
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Hot, Bright Labor Day; Little Relief In Sight

LABOR DAY: For those wrapping up the holiday weekend, expect a quiet and hot Labor Day across central and southwest Mississippi. Highs will sneak back into the lower to middle 90s with seasonably dry air in place over the region, after starting off the day in the 60s. We’ll drop back into the upper 60s and lower 70s by early Tuesday.  
 

TUESDAY: Heading back to work and school, post-holiday weekend; more September heat will get us back into the groove of things. Expect highs in the lower to middle 90s with mostly to partly sunny skies. A few afternoon pop-up storms can’t be ruled out, though many will remain dry.  

EXTENDED FORECAST: The long range forecast full depends on the passage (or not) of a front that will be swing Denver, Colorado from the 90s on Labor Day, into the 30s with snow by Tuesday morning. The system is expected to blast through the Plains states – but slow down as it begins to turn farther east. For us, expect a slight uptick in rain chances with a slight dip in temperatures through the latter parts of the week.  
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic has continued to churn out system after system; now featuring Tropical Depressions 17 & 18 in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Multiple waves coming off west Africa have medium to high chances of development into the weekend and early next week as the Main Development Region become highly favorable for development. Expect a flurry of activity into this week with multiple systems on the board. In the short term, no immediate US threats.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Summery Heat Continues Into Labor Day Weekend

FRIDAY: Lather, rinse and repeat to round out the work week and heading into the long Labor Day weekend. Expect mostly to partly sunny skies with highs making their way into lower and middle 90s again. A stray shower or storm could flare up during the afternoon and early evening, but many remain dry. 
 
LABOR DAY WEEKEND: A weak front will approach the area Saturday, bringing a slight dip in temperatures and humidity levels. The front may spark a shower or storm Saturday afternoon, mainly south of I-20; otherwise, expect a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the lower 90s. Humidity levels will drop through Saturday – allowing for lows to dip into the 60s by early Sunday. Highs will return quickly to the lower to middle 90s by Sunday and Labor Day; all the while, rain chances remaining low. 


EXTENDED FORECAST: Labor Day Monday remains quiet and mainly dry amid highs in the lower 90s. In the latter portion of next week, another front will approach the region that could usher in an uptick in rain chances, but also, a cooler and drier air mass by late week. Expect highs to remain near 90 through Wednesday, dropping into the 80s by late week. 
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic has continued to churn out system after system. Both Nana and Omar will fade into obscurity soon enough; of course, Nana will continue to bring heavy rains to Central America through the day. Elsewhere, multiple waves coming off west Africa have medium to high chances of development into the weekend and early next week as the Main Development Region become highly favorable for development. Expect a flurry of activity into the next week with multiple systems on the board. In the short term, no immediate US threats.  

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

Hazy, Hot Days Continue In Early September

THURSDAY: After morning clouds, skies will give way to ample summery sunshine through the day. High pressure will assert itself across the region, keeping rain chances near zero again for Thursday with summer heat continuing for yet another day. Expect morning 70s to give way to afternoon 90s again.  

 
FRIDAY: Lather, rinse and repeat to round out the work week and heading into the long Labor Day weekend. Expect mostly to partly sunny skies with highs making their way into lower and middle 90s again.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: A weak front will approach the area late Saturday, bringing a slight dip in temperatures and humidity levels. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with highs around 90. Highs will return quickly to the lower to middle 90s by Sunday and Labor Day; all the while, rain chances remaining low. Into next week, another front will approach the region by mid-week that could usher in an uptick in rain chances, but also, a cooler and drier air mass by late week.  
 
TROPICS: The Tropical Atlantic has continued to churn out system after system. Nana briefly became a hurricane before making landfall in Belize early this morning. Heavy rains of 8-12" are possible in Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico. Tropical Depression Omar off the US east coast will continue out to sea – causing no issues and fizzling at moves northeastward. Farther out, several waves moving off Africa over the next several days / weeks, could keep the tropics active through mid-month.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx