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

Storms Sunday; Cooler Next Week

The warming trend continues as highs reach the low to middle 70s this afternoon. Spotty showers will continue at times throughout the day, but not a washout. Rain and storms will become widespread Sunday morning into the afternoon as a cold front arrives. There is a lower end threat for severe weather, including the possibility for damaging wind, heavy downpours, and a few brief spinup tornadoes. Even though, widespread severe weather is not expected, please stay weather aware in the event that a severe storm does develop near your location. Turning seasonably chilly next week, including New Year’s. Highs dip into the 50s for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Michael Haynes

Severe Storms Possible Monday

Once again, we’re starting out with areas of dense fog this morning, so please take it easy if you’re out early. Highs rebound to the upper 60s and even lower 70s by afternoon. Otherwise dry followed by a round of rain and storms Monday and as strong storm system pushes across the state. Severe weather is an increasing concern, although there are limiting factors that will come into play. That said, we will maintain the possibility for damaging wind, large hail, and a few tornadoes Monday afternoon into the evening. Check back for updates and make sure you have our First Alert Weather App in order to receive the latest forecast and alerts. 

 

Michael Haynes

Clear; Turning Cooler

After a round of storms last night, clearing and turning cooler. Temperatures are starting out in the 50s this morning, but as cooler air blows in today we struggle to reach the middle 60s along with a cool north breeze. The work week starts out clear and cold. Dipping to near freezing tonight, then holding in the upper 40s and lower 50s despite a full supply of sunshine during the day Monday. Plummeting to the upper 20s Tuesday morning followed by a gradual warming trend for the remainder of the week as highs return to the 60s.

Michael Haynes

Arctic Blast

An icy cold November afternoon... Unseasonably cold today in the wake of an Arctic cold front. Despite a clear sky and sunshine, temperatures are holding in the 30s this afternoon, and with a frigid north wind gusting between 20 and 30 mph it feels below freezing as wind chill values hold in the 20s. A hard freeze tonight; lows plummet into the upper teens and lower 20s including 16 to 18 hours on average of subfreezing temperatures. Warmer, but still below average for the second half of this week and the weekend as afternoon highs reach the upper 50s and lower 60s.

 

Michael Haynes

Gusty Wind Early Saturday Morning

Remnants of Tropical Storm Olga are combining with a cold front to produce rain, wind, and the threat for heavy downpours. Expect wind gusts in excess of 40 mph along and just east of I-55 early this morning, causing power outages. A Flash Flood Watch continues until early afternoon for all of Mississippi. Periods of rain will continue through much of the morning with the heaviest downpours falling over the Eastern half of Mississippi . This will create the potential for flash flooding, so if you live in low lying areas pay close attention to weather conditions. The bulk of the rain ends by late morning, tapering down to spotty showers after lunch time, followed by a return to dry and seasonably pleasant weather for Sunday.

 

Michael Haynes

Soaking Rain; Flash Flooding Possible

An Alert Day has been issued for today due to a soaking rain and the potential for flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch continues until early Saturday afternoon for most of Mississippi with the exception of the far northeastern counties. Rain becomes widespread across the entire state early this morning and into the day. Expect a soaking rain through much of Saturday with rainfall amounts totaling 2 to 4 inches on average with locally higher amounts possible. This will create the potential for flash flooding, so if you live in low lying areas pay close attention to weather conditions. Rain ends from west to east Saturday afternoon, followed by a return to dry and seasonably pleasant weather for Sunday.

 

Michael Haynes

Dorian Heading into the Bahamas

Dorian is now a catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane, producing 160 mph winds as it bears down on the Northern Bahamas. As of now, the center of Dorian is expected to turn north and remain just off the East Coast. But still, this will cause storm surge, beach erosion, and likely washout roads in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas into next week. Around here, we remain hot and overall dry through Labor. We can't completely rule out the possibility for a brief storm, but the heat is our big story as highs reach the low and middle 90s along with lots of sunshine.

Michael Haynes

Tracking Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian is now a major category 4 storm, packing 145 mph winds, located east of the Bahamas. The latest forecast is suggesting a positive trend for Florida, keeping the center of Dorian just off the coast; this is a common track for East Coast storms, and if this trend continues the threat for Florida would significantly decrease, however Georgia and the Carolinas would be at greater risk into next week. Around here, hot and dry on this Labor Day Weekend with highs in the low to middle 90s along with lots of sunshine.

Michael Haynes

Warm August Weekend

A typical Summer weekend ahead as we continue into the month of August. Starting out in the lower 70s this morning along with areas of fog. Another hot, steamy afternoon with highs near 90 along with spotty, hit and miss afternoon storms. This pattern continues tomorrow, although rain chances will increase just a bit by Sunday afternoon and evening. No real change for the work week; expect hot days, muggy nights along with isolated to scattered afternoon storms.

Michael Haynes