MS News Now, First Alert Weather Blog

Scattered Downpours Continue Thursday; Slightly Drier Late Week

THURSDAY: Keep the umbrella nearby, yet again! A ‘backdoor front’ will approach from the northeast - it’ll help to squeeze out more chances for rain and storms through your Thursday. Expect variably to mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and storms to contend with again. Locally heavy pockets of rain could lead to low-lying and poor drainage flooding. Highs will top out in the lower to middle 80s. Rain chances will tend to drop off again, after sunset, with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. 



FRIDAY: As the ‘backdoor front’ slips farther south, it’ll help to squash most opportunities for showers and storms through the day. Expect partly sunny skies with highs in the middle to upper 80s for the first day of October. A few rogue showers could flare up by the afternoon hours near and west of I-55. Clouds will become more dominant overnight with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. 
 
EXTENDED PERIOD: The pushy upper ridge to our north will not hold very long – beginning to retreat eastward as a new system approaches from the west. A few showers could find their way into the fold – mainly west of I-55 Saturday amid highs in the middle 80s. The approaching front from the west will begin to head east into Sunday – kicking up better chances for showers and storms to round out the weekend. The front will sluggishly shift east Sunday and Monday - before getting hung up mid-week, keeping chances for showers in play. Highs will shift from the lower to middle 80s to the upper 70s and lower 80s into next week.  
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: Hurricane Sam continues to buzz through the Atlantic as a category 4 storm – and is still expected to stay east of Bermuda, though, tropical storm watches have been issued as the storm will make a close pass the region in the next 48 hours. Tropical Storm Victor continues to gather strength in the far eastern Atlantic. Both Sam and Victor will stay away from directly affecting any land areas.  


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

Unsettled Pattern Keeps Clouds, Rain In Play Mid-Week; TD 20 Forms In Atlantic

WEDNESDAY: Expect highs in the 80s with scattered rounds of showers and storms to contend with amid variably cloudy skies. Rain may be heavy at times, yielding localized flooding concern through early evening. Rain chances will tend to fade overnight with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s, though more rain potential may emerge by the start of Thursday morning. 



THURSDAY: As a ‘backdoor front’ approaches from the northeast - it’ll help to squeeze out more chances for rain and storms through your Thursday. Expect variably to mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and storms to contend with again. Highs will top out in the lower to middle 80s. Rain chances will tend to drop off again, after sunset, with lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. 
 
EXTENDED PERIOD: A ‘backdoor front’ sliding in from the northeast to help scour out some of the moisture that will in place over central and southwest Mississippi through Friday and Saturday. Expect highs in the middle to upper 80s to head into the start of October. A few showers could still be part of the mix this weekend, mainly Sunday afternoon and evening – better chances emerge next week as the front poised to the west finally moves through to bring more of a fall feel back to the region.  

 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: Hurricane Sam continue to churn through the Atlantic – it will likely remain away from any land areas through this week – even skirting east past Bermuda this weekend. Tropical Depression 20 formed Wednesday morning south of the Cabo Verde Islands and is likely to remain at sea - not affecting any land areas as well. The storm is expected strengthen - the next name on the list is 'Victor'.  Elsewhere, two other disturbances are vying for attention and potential organization. One – east of Bermuda are the remnants of Peter, now featuring a ‘LOW’ chance for development. A tropical wave rolled off western Africa this past weekend – and has a ‘LOW’ chance of development.

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

Muggier Air Yields Scattered Showers, Storms Mid-Week

TUESDAY: Muggier air now in place will be more akin to late September for central and southwest Mississippi. Keep an umbrella nearby as the muggy air leads to variably cloudy skies and a risk for scattered downpours to develop on and off through the day. Expect highs in the middle 80s, generally, with most of the storm potential fading after sunset. Lows will fall back to the upper 60s and lower 70s. 


WEDNESDAY: Our opportunities for showers and storms remain elevated through the mid-parts of the week. Clouds will be present, but not as predominate as Tuesday with more sunny breaks to filter in. Expect highs in the middle to upper 80s with scattered rounds of showers and storms to contend with. Most of the rain will fade after sunset with lows in the 70s again.  

 
EXTENDED PERIOD: While a front to the west will approach the region, it’ll actually be a ‘backdoor front’ sliding in from the northeast to help scour out some of the moisture that will in place over central and southwest Mississippi through the latter part of the week. Expect highs in the middle to upper 80s to head into the start of October. A few showers could still be part of the mix this weekend – better chances emerge next week as the front poised to the west finally moves through to bring more of a fall feel back to the region.  
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: Formidable, yet small, Hurricane Sam continue to churn through the Atlantic this morning – outside of churning the surf, it will likely remain away from any land areas through this week, but Bermuda may be something watch for through the weekend into next week. Elsewhere, three other disturbances are vying for attention and potential organization. One – east of Bermuda are the remnants of Peter and could briefly become a depression again this week. A tropical wave rolled off western Africa this weekend – and has a ‘HIGH’ chance of development along with another wave that will emerge into the Atlantic and has a ‘HIGH’ chance for development in the next few days. 
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx 

Warmer, Muggier Through Mid-Week; Active Atlantic

MONDAY: After a cool start to Monday – expect temperatures to quickly climb through the afternoon amid a mostly to partly sunny sky. From the morning 60s to the afternoon 80s, we’ll top out in the 80s to near 90. Gradually through the day, you may notice humidity levels creeping upward again as the shades of mid-October continue to fade. We’ll drop back into the 60s to near 70 overnight with a partly clear sky and a few showers developing late moving from southwest to northeast. 
 

TUESDAY: The pattern will continue to filter in muggier air that will be more akin to late September for central and southwest Mississippi - leading up to a mix of clouds and sun and a risk for scattered downpours to develop through the latter parts of the day. Expect highs in the middle to upper 80s, generally, with most of the storm potential fading after sunset. Lows will fall back to the upper 60s and lower 70s. 

 
EXTENDED PERIOD: After several days of high pressure holding on over the region – the pattern switch comes with the ridge pulling farther east and an upper low swirling to our west with the Gulf States being stuck in the middle. This will bring more clouds, opportunities for showers and storms through mid-late parts of the week. Highs will be in the middle 80s, still standard for late September and early October. The pattern looks break a bit by the weekend with a mix of clouds and sun, lower rain chances and highs in the in the lower to middle 80s. 
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: Formidable, yet small, Hurricane Sam continue to churn through the Atlantic this morning – outside of churning the surf, it will likely remain away from any land areas through this week but Bermuda may be something watch for through the weekend into next next week. Elsewhere, three other disturbances are vying for attention and potential organization. One – east of Bermuda are the remnants of Peter and could briefly become a depression again this week. A tropical wave rolled off western Africa this weekend – and has a ‘HIGH’ chance of development along with another wave that will emerge into the Atlantic and has a ‘HIGH’ chance for development in the next few days. 



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

Gradually Warmer, Gradually Muggier Days Ahead

FRIDAY: After another cool start, sunshine will have to evade a few wispy clouds streaming through the skies by the afternoon hours. Expect highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s amid the low humidity, still feeling comfortable – especially for late September standards. Lows will drop to the 50s under partly clear skies overnight.  


WEEKEND PLANNER: As the days drone on, the cooler temperatures and the lower humidity begin to fade slightly heading into the next several days - returning to a early fall feel for late September. All the while, high pressure will keep the weather quiet with mostly sunny skies through both Saturday and Sunday. Expect highs in the lower to middle 80s Saturday; middle to, a few, upper 80s Sunday. Lows will stay in the lower 60s.
   
EXTENDED FORECAST: With high pressure easing eastward, warmer, slightly muggier air will filter into the region amid the warmer temperatures. Expect highs in the upper 80s early week amid a mix of sun and clouds. A few showers could mix in here or there through late week, but most indications keep things dry for now. Highs will run near normal - in the middle 80s – lows in the 60s. 
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: After Peter and Rose faded away Thursday - we now have Hurricane Sam that has chance to rapidly intensify through the weekend and into next week. As of now, there is no indication that it will make it to the Gulf, but more likely will take a course off the US East Coast. We’ll watch it carefully in the next few days. Elsewhere, there are 3 disturbances that have the potential to develop. One – east of Bermuda has a ‘LOW’ chance through Saturday. Another disturbance moving off western Africa later this weekend that could be able to develop into next week. The remnants of Odette could garner some tropical or sub-tropical characteristics today, but after that – the opportunity lessens as the system moves into a more hostile environment.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx 

Cool, Crisp Fall Air Continues...For Now

THURSDAY: A cool start, inspiring some to grab jackets early on, will give way a mild afternoon, about 10 degrees below average – in the 70s amid abundant sunshine. Breezes will not be as aggressive as Wednesday. With clear skies and calm winds, expect lows in the lower to middle 50s by early Friday morning.  


FRIDAY: After another cool start, sunshine will have to evade a few wispy clouds streaming through the skies by the afternoon hours. Expect highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s amid the low humidity, still feeling comfortable – especially for late September standards. Lows will drop to the 50s under clear skies overnight.  

 
EXTENDED FORECAST: While the nice October preview ushered in the fall season, Mother Nature will remind us that it is still September soon enough. Gradually, high pressure will slip a little farther east, but still have a stronghold in keeping rain chances at a minimum through much of next week. Highs will creep back to ‘near-normal’ in the middle to upper 80s, lows in the 60s amid mostly to partly sunny skies. A few showers could sneak back into the region by mid-late next week.  
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: As we continue through the peak weeks of tropical season, we’ve added Tropical Depression 18 – moving across the main development region - this storm may have the potential to become our next named system – Sam and grow to hurricane status over the next few days. The remnants of Odette could reform through mid-week in the northern Atlantic, but still will have no direct impact on land. Peter and Rose have both gone ‘post-tropical’ as they have been ripped apart by strong wind shear over the past few days. Rose’ remnants will drift northeastward over the open Atlantic, while Peter’s remnants will drift near Bermuda by the weekend. Another wave emerging off western Africa this weekend will need to be watched - but as of now, it features a 'LOW' chance for development through early next week.
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Cool, Breezy Wednesday - Fall Vibes Continue Late Week

WEDNESDAY: Sunshine prevails through the remainder of the day as temperatures continue to climb through the 70s to near 80° on this first day of fall. Cool northerly breezes will hang around, gusting to 25-30 mph at times through the afternoon hours. Winds will subside tonight - amid clear skies, allowing for lows to drop into the lower to middle 50s.

THURSDAY: A cool start, inspiring some to grab jackets early on, will give way a mild afternoon, about 10 degrees below average – in the 70s amid abundant sunshine. Breezes will not be as aggressive as Wednesday. With clear skies and calm winds, expect lows in the lower 50s by early Friday morning.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: Behind the front, the first, true fall air mass will invade the region and hang around for a while. Barring any other hiccups, expect sunshine, low humidity and below-average temperature for the better part of end of the month. Expect highs through mid-week in the 70s, lows well into the 50s. Gradually, temperatures will rebound back to the 80s, lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s.  
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: As we continue through the peak weeks of tropical season, Peter and Rose remain on the board, both struggling to hold it together. Peter will start to curve more northward, angling toward Bermuda through the end of the week; Rose will also begin to turn northward through the week ahead. While Rose may stay out to sea, Peter could have impacts to Bermuda by this weekend as a tropical storm or depression. The remnants of Odette could reform through mid-week in the northern Atlantic, but still will have no direct impact on land and another disturbance rolling off western Africa has a ‘high’ chance for development through late week.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Summer Heat, Storms Lead to Crisp Fall Air

TUESDAY: A front will be on approach to the region – this will help to push highs to summery levels in the upper 80s and lower 90s – still with the muggy air in place. This will have ‘feels like’ temperatures cresting above 100. Scattered downpours will develop as the front moves toward the area through the afternoon and evening hours. Outside of the storm chances, expect skies to be partly sunny. A few of the storms could be strong and could linger through Tuesday night as the front sweeps eastward. Lows will fall into the 60s as drier air moves toward the area.  



WEDNESDAY: Starting amid clouds, drier air will filter into the region along a stiff westerly breeze. Sunshine will emerge from west to east through the morning. Westerly breezes will temperatures at bay – in the 70s through the afternoon hours. As winds calm down overnight, lows will dip into the lower to middle 50s by early Thursday.   
EXTENDED FORECAST: Behind the front, the first, true fall air mass will invade the region and hang around for a while. Barring any other hiccups, expect sunshine, low humidity and below-average temperature for the better part of end of the month. Expect highs through mid-week in the 70s, lows well into the 50s. Gradually, temperatures will rebound back to the 80s, lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s.  
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: As we continue through the peak weeks of tropical season, Peter and Rose remain on the board after Odette formed and fizzled quickly off the eastern US coast. Peter will start to curve more northward, angling toward Bermuda through the end of the week; Rose will also begin to turn northward through the week ahead. While Rose may stay out to sea, Peter could have impacts to Bermuda by this weekend as a tropical storm or depression. The remnants of Odette could reform through mid-week in the northern Atlantic, but still will have no direct impact on land and another disturbance rolling off western Africa has a ‘high’ chance for development through late week.  

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

Warm, Muggy Early Week; Drier, Fall Air Late Week

MONDAY: Kicking off the new work and school week keeps a chance for a few showers and storms to flare up amid the remnant muggy air mass left behind by Nicholas. Expect morning clouds to give way to partly cloudy skies by the afternoon hours with highs in the middle to upper 80s. Showers and storms will tend to fade after sunset with lows in the 70s. 
 

TUESDAY: A front will be on approach to the region – this will help to push highs to summery levels in the upper 80s and lower 90s – still with the muggy air in place. This will have ‘feels like’ temperatures cresting above 100. Scattered downpours will develop as the front moves toward the area through the afternoon and evening hours. Outside of the storm chances, expect skies to be partly sunny. A few of the storms could be strong and could linger through Tuesday night as the front sweeps eastward. Lows will fall into the 60s as drier air moves toward the area.  
 
EXTENDED FORECAST: Behind the front, the first, true fall air mass will invade the region and hang around for a while. Barring any other hiccups, expect sunshine, low humidity and below-average temperature for the better part of end of the month. Expect highs through mid-week in the 70s, lows well into the 50s. Gradually, temperatures will rebound back to the 80s, lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s.  

 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: As we continue through the peak weeks of tropical season, Peter and Rose remain on the board after Odette formed and fizzled quickly off the eastern US coast. Peter will start to curve more northward, angling toward Bermuda through the end of the week; Rose will also begin to turn northward through the week ahead – but neither is expected to impact land directly. The remnants of Odette could reform through mid-week in the northern Atlantic, but still will have no direct impact on land and another disturbance rolling off western Africa has a ‘medium’ chance for development through late week.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx

Scattered Tropical Downpour Regime Continue; Fall Air Looms Mid-Next Week

FRIDAY: Still with a faint resemblance of a circulation to our west – a continued deep flow off the Gulf of Mexico amid warm, unstable air will help to kick up scattered to, at times, numerous downpours amid variably to mostly cloudy skies to round out the work week. Highs will still make their way into the lower to middle 80s. Downpours will have some staying power after sunset with lows in the 70s amid mostly cloudy skies. 



WEEKEND PLANNER: Expect more of the same – the residual system that is Nicholas will drift over northern Louisiana Saturday and Sunday, acting as a focal mechanism for scattered to, at times, numerous showers and storms to blossom near. Expect highs in the middle 80s, lows in the lower 70s. Since the airmass over the region originated from the tropics means any storms that develop could yield high rainfall rates – keeping a risk for localized flooding in the poor-drainage and low-lying areas. Rain won’t be constant and there will be opportunities for sun to break through the clouds – but be prepared to alter plans in the event rain catches up to you.  

 
EXTENDED FORECAST: Our soupy airmass will remain in place as high pressure to our east continues a general flow off the Gulf of Mexico – this will help to spark daily chances for showers and storms amid variably cloudy skies through mid-week. A strong cold front will approach the region mid-late week, finally scouring out the remnant moisture left behind from Nicholas. On the front end of the week – highs will be in the middle 80s; on the backend, with drier air filter in, highs will be near 80.  
 
TALKIN’ TROPICS: Nicholas continues to spin down over Louisiana, spreading scattered downpours toward Mississippi and Alabama as well. The storm’s circulation will continue fade, but its remnant moisture and a residual trough will linger around the southeast through much of the next few days. Elsewhere in the Atlantic, three other disturbances – one off the Bahamas has a ‘high’ chance for development off the southeast coast. This system will likely skirt just off the Carolina coast on its way out to sea Another featuring a ‘high’ chance of development coming off western Africa - right behind it, another wave that shows a ‘low’ chance for development in the next five days.  
 
Patrick Ellis 
WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @PatrickEllisWx