Mississippi

Expect snow and cold in Mississippi. Here’s what the weather forecast calls for

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2025

Expect snow and cold in Mississippi. Here’s what the weather forecast calls for

Many areas in Mississippi could get snow early next week, paired with days of subfreezing temperatures and some overnight lows in the teens, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Here’s what we know.

A system will bring rain and snow to many parts of the U.S. through the weekend, and it will push a blast of Artic air into the South that’s expected to stay for a few days into the middle of next week.

The NWS is calling for a major Arctic air outbreak that will affect the Great Plains to east of the Appalachian mountains and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. Areas to the north can expect subzero temps. AccuWeather meteorologists said the air from Siberia will cause some of the coldest lows seen so far this winter.

Current predictions also call for rain Saturday. According to NWS forecasts, several parts of the state have a chance of snow on Monday and/or Tuesday. Some areas can expect the extended cold snap to bring overnight lows in the teens and daytime highs below freezing.

Are you ready for brutal cold in Mississippi? Prep your family, pets, house and vehicle ahead of time to stay warm and safe. AccuWeather warns that strong breezes, paired with the deep chill can cause drafts to get into crawl spaces and elevate the chance of pipes bursting.

When could it snow in Mississippi?

The National Weather Service is showing a chance of snow around the state in the next seven days, as of around 8 a.m. Friday.

Jackson: A 20% chance Monday night, followed by a 40% chance of snow on Tuesday and a 20% chance of snow Tuesday night.
Hattiesburg: A 20% chance of snow showers after midnight on Monday, a 50% chance of snow on Tuesday and a 20% chance of snow Tuesday night before midnight.
Greenwood: A 20% chance of snow showers Tuesday.
Columbus/West Point/Starkville: A 30% chance of snow after noon on Tuesday.
Gulfport: A chance of 20% chance of snow after midnight on Monday night, likely snow showers after noon on Tuesday and a chance of snow and freezing rain Tuesday night before midnight.
Oxford: No snow in current forecast.

What’s the weather forecast in Mississippi?

Most of Mississippi can expect temperatures below normal, leading to subfreezing but not subzero weather overnight in the coming week. Temps will stay lower than average through Jan. 30. Currently, precipitation chances are above average from Jan. 22-30.

In Southaven, AccuWeather forecasts call for a 40% chance of rain Saturday, when the high is expected to be 48, and the low is 27. Highs are expected to stay near or below freezing Sunday through Tuesday. Lows will dip into the teens on Sunday and Tuesday, and the high Monday is 28 degrees. Temps are set to climb into the 40s again, starting Thursday. Lows could stay subfreezing through Jan. 26. (The NWS forecast also does not call for snow at this time.)

According to AccuWeather, as of Jan. 17, the Jackson area can expect:

Jan. 17: High 61°F, low 52°F.
Jan. 18: High 65°F, low 31°F, 70% chance of rain in the morning.
Jan. 19: High 39°F, low 20°F.
Jan. 20: High 36°F, low 23°F.
Jan. 21: High 32°F, low 17°F, 30% chance of precipitation, including a bit of snow or flurries.
Jan. 22: High 41°F, low 23°F.
Jan. 23: High 45°F, low 31°F, 55% chance of rain in the afternoon.
Jan. 24: High 44°F, low 26°F, 81% chance of rain in the morning and afternoon.
Jan. 25: High 51°F, low 32°F, 75% chance of precipitation, including rain and sleet in the morning with rain in the afternoon.
Jan. 26: High 58°F, low 37°F.
Jan. 27: High 59°F, low 39°F.
Jan. 28: High 49°F, low 39°F, 70% chance of precipitation with rain in the afternoon.

Weather Channel forecasts for Jackson also calls for snow Tuesday.

In Hattiesburg, the 10-day AccuWeather forecast shows about a 70% chance of rain Saturday with a high of 73 degrees. For Sunday through Friday, highs will mostly drop into the 40s with a dip to 34 on Tuesday. There a low chance of snow or flurries on Monday. There’s a 35% chance of precipitation with snow and sleet Tuesday. Thursday has a 64% chance of precipitation and could have some icy mix in the rain. Lows will be in the 20s through at least Saturday, Jan. 25, with a possible dip to 19 degrees on Sunday and 17 Tuesday. Highs are expected to climb back in the 50s on Jan. 25; they day also has a 74% chance of rain and sleet. The high Sunday, Jan. 26, in the 60s.

Around Gulfport, AccuWeather forecasts call for about a 94% chance of rain and a thunderstorm with a high of 68 degrees on Saturday. Lows will be in the 20s Sunday through Wednesday. There’s a 35% chance of precipitation including snow, sleet and rain on Tuesday with a high of 36. Saturday, Jan. 25, has a 72% chance of rain, and the high is 55.

Why does it keep getting so cold?

According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which manages the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research, polar air comes south sometimes where the polar jet stream wanders.

As they describe it, the polar vortex circles the north pole counterclockwise. the polar jet stream circles at a lower level of the atmosphere, which usually keeps Arctic air corralled in the middle.

When the polar vortex is weak, the jet stream pattern wanders around a bit instead of staying in place “like a toupee that goes askew.”

The scientists that make up UCAR say predicting the pattern is getting harder because the Arctic is warming at a rapid rate.

How can I prepare for extreme cold?

The National Weather Service has tips to protect your family, pets, home and more in extreme cold.

Family

Know your weather forecasts, be ready in case of power outages.
Limit time outside in the cold. Early morning is the coldest, and kids might need to wait for the school bus somewhere warmer than usual.
Dress for winter weather, including layers to keep out the wind and wet. Wear waterproof boots, a hat and gloves.
Get a kit together for your home and/or vehicle.
Don’t stay in wet clothes, stay warm and dry.
Check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors.

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House

Insulate pipes.
Drip water and open cabinet doors to let pipes get warm air circulation.
Turn off sprinklers, and disconnect hoses. Insulate outside taps and pipes.
Winterize the home, like checking your chimney, clearing gutters. Insulate windows and attics if possible. If there are gaps around blankets or doors you can’t fill, cover them with blankets or towels.
Install/check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
If you have a generator or plan to use one, make sure it’s set up to run safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t run it in the house or near air intake for the residence.
Use space heaters safely: don’t leave them unattended and be sure there’s a 3-foot space away from flammable objects like curtains or furniture.
Close unused rooms to keep from wasting heat.

Car

Make sure your vehicles have at least half a tank of gas so you can stay warm if stranded.
Have an emergency kit ready in your car if you have to travel in cold weather.

Pets

If pets can come into the home or another shelter, bring them in.
If animals, like livestock, can’t come inside, try to provide shelter and make sure their water isn’t frozen over regularly.

What should I have in my emergency kit?

According to the NWS, people should have the following in emergency kits for their homes and vehicles.

To be ready for emergencies have:

Flashlights with fresh batteries.
Spare batteries.
First aid kit and any medicines or medical supplies you need.
Backup clothes for winter weather.
Baby gear.
Food that’s non-perishable and/or will not have to be cooked if you lose power. If you pack canned good, be sure you have a manual can opener.
Water (plan 1 gallon per person for 3 days).
Pet supplies (food and water).
A basic toolkit, including pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver.
A radio.
Warmers.

Car kits need a lot of the same items and few others, including:

Jumper cables.
Cat litter or sand for tire traction.
Shovel.
Ice scraper.
Roadside emergency kit.
Blankets/sleeping bag.

How low can I set my thermostat?

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum temperature of 68 degrees for children, people with health problems and the elderly. WHO advises a range between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people.

Thinking of going without heat and powering through with warm winter layers?

According to the CDC, hypothermia, or a dangerously low body temperature, usually happens in extreme cold but can happen in temperatures over 40 degrees if a person gets chilled from rain, sweat or cold water. A person can lose body heat faster than they generate more, leading to confusion and affecting their ability to move.

Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms can get hypothermia, as can elderly adults who don’t have enough food, clothes or heating.

Can I use my oven to heat my house?

No. Ovens aren’t made for space heating, making them inefficient for the job, which leads to increased fire risk.

Electric ovens don’t post a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, but gas ovens do, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against it.

Can I get help paying my power bill?

Mississippi Power has multiple programs to help people facing economic hardship, the elderly and people with disabilities pay their bills.

Call 228-701-0555 to talk to a Catholic Charities representative to find out if you’re eligible for Project SHARE. Or you can donate to help someone in your community.

Or you can call the Mississippi Power Customer Care Center at 800-532-1502 to find out about bill discounts for households that get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).

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

2020: 50.9.
2021: 48.
2022: 45.4.
2023: 53.8.
2024: 44.5.

Hattiesburg

2020: 52.6.
2021: 49.7.
2022: 47.5.
2023: 55.8.
2024: 48.2.

Tupelo

2020: 48.6.
2021: 45.1.
2022: 42.
2023: 50.6.
2024: 39.5.

Gulfport

2020: 55.3.
2021: 51.7.
2022: 49.4.
2023: 58.2.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Ben Crump seeks independent autopsy in Nolan Wells death

Published

5 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Ben Crump seeks independent autopsy in Nolan Wells death

Attorney Ben Crump says Nolan Xavier Wells’ family is pursuing an independent autopsy. Investigators continue working to determine what happened to the 18-year-old after his body was found on Horn Island this week.

Wells, 18, went missing on Saturday, July 4, after taking a boat to the island with friends. A body was found Monday, ending a two-day search.

Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd told the Sun Herald on Tuesday that the body was identified as Wells. The State Medical Examiner’s Office used dental records to confirm his identity. Officials did not release his cause of death.

In an exclusive interview with Don Lemon on Wednesday, Crump said the body was being flown to Washington, D.C., for a medical examiner to study.

Wells’ disappearance led to an outpouring of prayers, volunteer efforts and community support. By Wednesday morning, a GoFundMe to help the family had raised more than $237,000.

There are still many questions about why Wells was on the island after the boat with his high school friends left. What happened before his death remains unclear.

On Tuesday, his family hired nationally known civil rights attorney Crump and his team to help them find answers in the case.

What was Nolan Wells’ cause of death?

Crump said the second autopsy will find out “if he had any physical injuries to his body beyond drowning.” He was unaware of the physical condition of the body at the time of the interview.

The remains were being flown to Washington on Wednesday. Crump said his team expects the results on Friday.

Crump said investigators in Mississippi have not given them information about the state’s autopsy.

Crump says family is living in a nightmare

Crump told Lemon the family is living in a nightmare, and they still have many questions about the young man’s death.

He was clear, however, that his investigation is still in very early stages and they are not sure yet if they will find signs of foul play. If they do, he said, they will work with local law enforcement and the state if there’s anyone who should face criminal charges.

According to the attorney, the sheriff’s office has not shared information with the family about what happened and whether the sheriff’s office suspects criminal behavior.

“There’s no information that we have right now that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred,” Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told ABC News earlier this week.

He said the family has concerns about “inconsistencies” including texts deleted from Wells’ phone. They don’t want Wells’ death to be called an accident and swept under the rug if it wasn’t.

Crump said Wells had a tryout to play Division I football on Monday. The teen was reportedly avoiding substances that could affect his performance. His family said he was an extraordinary athlete and strong swimmer.

There was allegedly an argument on the island, Crump said. Now, Wells’ family isn’t accepting that his death could be a coincidence.

Lemon asked if they knew what the argument was and if Wells and his group were involved. Crump said they have an investigator talking to Wells’ friends. He plans to share the information when the issue becomes clear.

Crump said investigation, not speculation, is the goal.

Questions remain after Horn Island death

Ledbetter said the county’s investigation is still active.

According to reporting from TMZ, the sheriff’s office was investigating a video shared on social media that appears to show people arguing on Horn Island on the holiday. It’s unclear if the footage, which shows a crowded beach, is related to the case.

Crump and his legal team are planning their independent review. They have committed to urging “the timely release of all records, witness accounts, and autopsy findings.”

What investigators know so far

Wells was reported missing over the holiday weekend after traveling to Horn Island with friends on July 4. The barrier island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Wells, who also went by Nono, was last seen on the northwest tip of Horn Island on the afternoon of Saturday, July 4. He did not come back to the mainland with his group, and his mom reported him missing that night.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office led a search on land and water Sunday and Monday. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, National Park Service employees and the U.S. Coast Guard helped with the search. The United Cajun Navy and other volunteers also worked to find Wells.

His mother, Christine Wonsley, said during the search that she and his father had received Wells’ phone. Location tracking wasn’t an option while they looked for him.

A park ranger found the body Monday morning. The identification was confirmed Tuesday following an autopsy.

Investigators are still trying to determine why he didn’t leave the island and who he was with. They’re limiting the information released at this time as deputies work to find witnesses and collect evidence.

Authorities seek witnesses, photos and video

Ledbetter issued a statement saying rumors, commentary and unchecked information spreading on social media have been a challenge in the investigation.

Deputies need to speak to people who were at Horn Island. They’re also looking for original photos, video or sound recordings.

They are asking anyone who saw or heard an “argument, disturbance or other unusual activity” on the island to come forward.

Call 228-769-3065 during regular business hours or 228-769-3063 after hours if you have firsthand information about the case.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@usatodayco.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi’s first Dutch Bros now open in Pearl

Published

15 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi’s first Dutch Bros now open in Pearl

PEARL, Miss. (WLBT) – Mississippi’s first Dutch Bros is now open in Pearl!

The coffee shop had its grand opening on Wednesday, July 8, around 5 a.m. It is located at 200 Bass Pro Dr.

To celebrate the grand opening, customers can enjoy $3 medium drinks on Wednesday.

Store hours are Sun-Thurs: 5 a.m.- 10 p.m., Fri-Sat: 5 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Dutch Bros now has stores in 26 states.

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See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

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Mississippi

Police investigating video of Nolan Wells’ alleged argument on Horn Island before Mississippi teen went missing

Published

1 day ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Police investigating video of Nolan Wells’ alleged argument on Horn Island before Mississippi teen went missing

MIAMI – Police are said to be investigating a video that allegedly shows a heated argument before Mississippi teen Nolan Xavier Wells went missing and was later found dead – as his grandfather said: “There’s nothing right about this.”

The 18-year-old star football player vanished during a Fourth of July boat trip with friends Saturday and a body which authorities said matched his description was found Monday morning.

Wells was last seen around 3 p.m. Saturday “talking to a girl” at the north end of Horn Island, a popular barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Cajun Navy Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said.

Law enforcement have been looking into a viral clip circulated online which appears to show several people having an “intense” argument near the shoreline, TMZ reported.

It sparked speculation that the tense moment could be connected to Wells’ disappearance.

However, authorities have not confirmed that the footage is authentic or whether the people seen in it have any connection to the college student.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said that Wells’ friends had left the island and gone back without him, ABC News reported.

“From what we understand, he chose to stay there,” Ledbetter added.

Ledbetter said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon that officers want to speak with anyone who “observed or heard an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity while on the island that day.”

Meanwhile, the family of the teen – who played as a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College – said they were seeking answers.

“Too many unanswered questions — how can a Island that was searched yesterday produce my grandsons body this morning,” his grandfather Christopher Wells Sr. wrote on Facebook on Monday.

“There’s nothing right about this, Nolan Xavier Wells deserved the same things that people he knew and associated with will enjoy in life.”

Wells Sr. later said Wells’ mom Christine and dad Elmore had “prayed for a positive outcome but they also had to prepare themselves for the worst”, adding that “it’s time for answers.”

Photos of the 6-foot-1, 180-pound teen showed him shirtless while sporting blue swim trunks, sunglasses and grinning alongside friends on a boat before he went missing.

The United Cajun Navy non-profit disaster relief organization launched aerial reconnaissance during the search to scour the waters between Horn Island and Ship Island, stretching south to the Chandelier Islands.

The United States Coast Guard, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department also reportedly assisted in the frantic search.

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