News Summary
This week, Mississippi faces severe thunderstorms and rain showers, increasing the risk of strong winds and flash flooding. Thunderstorms are expected to begin this afternoon, with maximum temperatures around 85°F. Residents should remain cautious as forecasters warn of damaging wind gusts, hail, and potential flash flooding. While the severe weather may continue into mid-week, opportunities for sunshine could emerge later. Flood watches are in effect across several states, affecting travel and public safety. As communities respond, weather alerts are essential for safety and awareness.
Jackson, Mississippi – Severe thunderstorms and rain showers are predicted for much of Mississippi this week, with a significant chance of strong winds and flash flooding conditions. The weather forecast indicates scattered thunderstorms will begin in the afternoon today, with maximum temperatures reaching around 85°F and winds blowing from the west-southwest at speeds between 5 to 10 mph. There is currently a 50% chance of rain today, with further thunderstorms expected to persist into the evening. Overnight, the clouds will remain, with a low temperature anticipated around 71°F and continued chances of rain.
Forecasters have highlighted that Monday’s severe weather includes the risk of damaging wind gusts and possible hail up to the size of a quarter. Currently, around 3,700 residents in Mississippi are without power due to earlier storms. A tornado briefly touched down in Rankin County around 3 p.m. Monday, though no damage or injuries were reported. Conditions could also lead to flash flooding in areas that experience multiple rounds of storms this week, as a weather front lingers over the state.
Week’s Weather Outlook
Throughout the week, temperatures are expected to reach the mid and low 80s, with heat indices feeling even hotter in the upper 80s to low 90s due to high humidity levels. Forecaster Daniel Lamb noted that while thunderstorms are likely, severe storms are not anticipated as the week progresses. Reports show that after storms clear on Monday, conditions will remain humid, with some occasional sunshine possible.
Multiple rounds of storms are forecasted through Friday morning, with significant drying expected Friday afternoon and into Saturday. A few light showers may still occur on Sunday and Monday, but these will likely be limited as humidity decreases going into the weekend.
Regional Weather Alerts and Safety Precautions
AccuWeather has reported severe weather warnings, including excessive rainfall and flash flood risks affecting various states, including Mississippi. Flood watches are currently in effect in parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas due to ongoing rainfall. In certain areas, rainfall amounts could escalate to 1 to 3 inches per hour on Memorial Day, posing a threat to public safety and travel.
Flash flood warnings are also in effect in northeastern Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, impacting hundreds of thousands of residents. Officials are advising the public against driving into flood-prone areas. Travel disruptions have been anticipated across multiple airports in Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee due to the severe weather conditions.
Community Impact and Local Events
The severe weather arrives as Mississippi State University concluded its spring 2025 commencement exercises, where President Keenum presented a chrome cowbell to Katherine Ullmer, a standout student from Acworth. Ullmer was honored for being one of over 140 Stephen D. Lee Scholars, all of whom achieved a cumulative GPA of 4.0 out of nearly 3,500 total spring graduates. She completed her studies in Management and Marketing, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration from MSU’s College of Business.
As Mississippi deals with the impact of severe thunderstorms and potential flooding, residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather alerts and heed safety warnings from officials. The coming days will see the potential for changes in weather systems, but additional heavy storm activity is expected through to mid-week.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oktibbeha County Fire Claims Life of 64-Year-Old Man
Columbus Faces Flooding and Power Outages Following Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Hailstorm Causes Damage and Displacement in Starkville
Mississippi State Baseball Sweeps Kentucky in Series
Local High School Baseball Seasons Wrap Up as Playoffs Approach
Mississippi State Baseball Sweeps Kentucky Under Interim Coach
Mississippi State University Fires Head Baseball Coach
Severe Weather Devastates Mississippi, Six Lives Lost
Severe Thunderstorms Impact NE Mississippi This Weekend
Community Comes Together for Joyous Easter Celebration in Columbus, MS
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger
- Wikipedia: Weather in Mississippi
- WAPT
- Google Search: Mississippi weather
- The New York Times
- Google Scholar: Mississippi weather forecast
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi flooding
- Weather.com
- Google News: Mississippi thunderstorms
