Snow flurries were reported in Madison on Monday, and the weather forecast for the coming days calls for freezing temperatures and the possibility of more snow for most of Mississippi.
Winter Storm Blair is hammering parts of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic. Hundreds of thousands are without power, and the snow has snarled travel conditions.
AccuWeather meteorologists are calling for arctic cold related to a polar vortex to cause extreme chills across about half the country. Most of the South will see sub-freezing temperatures.
The AccuWeather and National Weather Service forecasts for the Jackson region through Friday have some slight differences. The biggest one is that while AccuWeather calls for a chance of precipitation Thursday and Friday, the NWS says snow and rain are likely Thursday night and Friday.
The NWS is also predicting snow for Greenwood, the Oxford area and Columbus/West Point/Starkville on Thursday night and Friday. Hattiesburg could see some snow Thursday night.
A National Weather Service forecast map showing temperatures expected in Mississippi from Jan. 11-15, 2025.
How should I prepare for extreme cold, winter weather?
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to be ready for winter weather. Extreme cold, snow and ice can lead to power outages and make travel conditions dangerous.
Have non-perishable food and bottled water on hand. (If you have electric appliances, plan meals that can be eaten without using the stove or oven.) Make sure you have enough winter clothing and blankets to stay warm if power goes out. Keep your cellphone charged and have flashlights ready.
Keep an emergency supply kit in vehicles. Be prepared if you have to drive in icy road conditions. (If you hit black ice while driving, take your foot off the pedals and steer into the skid.)
Bring pets inside and make sure animals that can’t be brought in have access to lots of food and water that isn’t frozen.
Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.
A National Weather Service forecast map showing precipitation expected in Mississippi from Jan. 11-15, 2025.
Early January daily forecast in Mississippi
In the National Weather Service forecasts, Mississippi is expected to have below-average temperatures and precipitation for Jan. 11-19.
According to AccuWeather, as of Jan. 6, the Jackson area can expect the following for the first two weeks of the year:
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Jan. 6: High 38°F, low 26°F.
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Jan. 7: High 42°F, low 25°F.
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Jan. 8: High 45°F, low 23°F.
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Jan. 9: High 43°F, low 32°F, 25% chance of precipitation.
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Jan. 10: High 37°F, low 30°F, 83% chance of precipitation with morning rain.
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Jan. 11: High 42°F, low 26°F.
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Jan. 12: High 49°F, low 32°F.
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Jan. 13: High 52°F, low 30°F.
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Jan. 14: High 50°F, low 28°F.
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Jan. 15: High 51°F, low 29°F, 56% chance of precipitation with afternoon showers.
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Jan. 16: High 54°F, low 37°F.
You should know: What’s the best thermostat setting for winter in Mississippi? Here’s the ideal temperature
January average temperatures in Mississippi
These are the average temperatures for the Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo and Gulfport areas for 2020-24, according to data from the National Weather Service.
Jackson
Hattiesburg
Tupelo
Gulfport
What are the next winter storm names for 2025?
The Weather Channel names winter storms based on scale. So far the 2024-25 season already has seen Anya and Blair. They do not name “pure arctic cold outbreaks.”
Other planned names are:
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS weather forecast calls for snow flurries, freezing temps this week