MS News Now, First Alert Weather Blog

Scattered Showers; Mild

Scattered showers this morning, but nothing severe. Otherwise, mostly cloudy and warm today with highs in the 70s along with a few spotty showers. Additional hit and miss showers along with a few storms develop as the week begins followed by a round of heavier rain and strong to potentially severe storms Wednesday afternoon into the evening. As always, make sure you have our First Alert Weather App downloaded and ready to go!

Michael Haynes

Strong Storms Possible

A warm weekend ahead, but unfortunately that warm air will aid in fueling a few strong to severe storms this afternoon and evening. The greatest risk for severe weather is in north of a line from Greenville to Greenwood to Columbus; around here, the severe risk is lower, but we can't rule out the possibility for gusty wind, hail, or a brief tornado. Keep in mind, it will not rain all day, but be prepared for a few storms mainly this afternoon. For Sunday, a few storms are possible in South Mississippi. Otherwise warm with highs in the 70s.

Michael Haynes

Into the Deep Freeze

A bitterly cold day in Mississippi. Most spots held in the 30s this afternoon along with an icy north wind. Into the deep freeze tonight; lows plummet to the low and middle 20s including 9 to 15 hours of sub freezing temperatures. Also, as a weak disturbance is passing through this evening; a few snow flurries or light sleet is possible south of I-20, but no big deal in terms of travel problems. 

Another hard freeze Tuesday night followed by a quick warming trend that will lead to 70s by Friday and Sunday. Unfortunately, rain and storms return for the weekend along with the potential for strong to severe storms Saturday into early Sunday morning. Check back for updates; we'll keep you posted throughout the week.

Michael Haynes

Turning Cold!

Rain is moving out and cold air is heading in. Still cloudy this evening, but aside from a few sprinkles the main area of rain and storms has moved out of the state. Our big story now is cold, mid Winter like air. Dipping to the lower 30s tonight and will struggle to reach the middle 40s all day Monday. In fact, areas north of I-20 will hold in the 30s for much of the day. And due to an icy wind, it will feel like upper teen and lower 20s in the morning and 30s during the afternoon. Hard freezes both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as lows plummet to the 20s.

Warmer weather returns for the second half of this week, followed by yet another opportunity for strong to severe storms over the weekend.

Michael Haynes

Storms Ending; Clearing and Cooler

Storms are moving out this evening, but not before a likely tornado touched down in Columbus; extensive damage is reported as we'll continue to monitor the situation and pass on the latest information. For Central and South Mississippi, the tornado watch is being cancelled. Still a few showers and storms will continue into the evening, but the severe threat is winding down. Clearing and cooler tonight into Sunday; morning lows dip into the 40s with afternoon highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. 

The week begins dry and pleasant, followed by increasing rain chances late Tuesday into Wednesday.

Michael Haynes

Strong to Severe Storms Today

An Alert Day has been issued for this afternoon due to the potential for severe storms. A line of thunderstorms will push across the state, featuring storms capable of producing damaging straight line wind, large hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes. For Central and South Mississippi, the main time frame is from 2pm to 9pm, but it will not storm that entire time; counties in West Mississippi will be impacted earlier in the afternoon, and East Mississippi toward the later end of the time frame. Make sure you have our First Alert Weather App downloaded and ready to go.

Michael Haynes

Wet Week Ahead

For tonight, showers decrease leading to an overall dry day Monday. But rain returns Tuesday with periods of moderate to heavy rain through the end of this week and potentially into the weekend. Expect 3 to 6 inches, on average with locally higher amounts possible. Flash flooding and river flooding is a good possibility, so please drive carefully and keep a close eye on water levels. Also, a few strong to severe storms are possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, capable of producing gusty straight line wind. We'll keep you posted on air, online, and our First Alert Weather App.

Michael Haynes

Cold, Damp Start to the Weekend

A damp and chilly start to the weekend. Temperatures are hovering just above freezing this morning with pockets of light rain. There is the possibility for some sleet to mix in, mainly in the Delta but not enough to cause any significant travel problems. Otherwise, mostly cloudy and cool today with highs in the 50s. 

For Sunday, more clouds than sun as a quick warming trend begins bringing highs to the 60s. A round of rain and storms arrives Monday evening, including the possibility for a few strong to severe storms. We'll keep you posted so check back for updates.

Michael Haynes

Pleasant Weekend

A beautiful, Spring like weekend featuring a mix of sun and clouds with highs well into the 60s; in fact, 70 degrees is likely Sunday. A brief shower is possible but most spots remain dry. Rain chances increase Monday afternoon into Tuesday as temperatures remain well above average. In fact, would you believe, 80 degrees is possible by midweek! Wow, welcome to Mississippi weather.

Michael Haynes

Rain Changing to Snow Monday Night, Tuesday Morning

A mix of sun and clouds today with highs near 60. Big changes ahead week as the week begins. Rain arrives Monday night, and as the cold air pushes in, rain changes over to snow Tuesday morning. We're expecting 3 to 4 hours of snowfall, even as far south as McComb. The main time frame for accumulating snow is from midnight to 7am (midnight in the Delta, ending in South Miss by 7am). While this will not be a historic winter storm, 1 to 2 inches is likely with the potential for locally higher amounts. In terms of travel problems, the main concern is icing on bridges and overpasses. Temperatures fall throughout the day Tuesday, plummeting to the upper teens and low 20s by Wednesday morning, meaning travel issues are likely through the Wednesday morning commute. Please check back for updates, and make sure you have our First Alert Weather App downloaded and ready to go!

Michael Haynes