Mississippi
When will polar vortex reach Mississippi? Arctic blast to bring freezing temps next week
Tornado in Mississippi
Eyewitness footage of cloud shaping into a wedge as it forms a tornado in near the Loyd Star Attendance Center in Brookhaven, Mississippi on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Reuters
How soon will the polar vortex reach the South? An Arctic Express cold snap is set to hit the southern U.S. in the first full week of January. How could that affect Mississippi? Here’s what we know.
According to AccuWeather, temperature drops could make this the coldest January on record since 2011 across the U.S. Most of Mississippi will see temperatures that feel like 10-20 degrees from Jan. 8-10, and the northernmost parts of the state will have lows that feel like 0-10 degrees.
Over the next two weeks, overnight temperatures in central and south Mississippi could drop well below freezing with some daytime highs in the 40s and 50s. As of Jan. 2, there’s some chance of sleet and snow for the Jackson area.
AccuWeather meteorologists said a dip in the jet stream will start in the coming days, pushing frigid air from the Arctic into the South. Temperatures might drop 12-25 degrees below average in some parts of the country, particularly in the central U.S. That region, including Memphis, is at risk of subzero temperatures. This is expected to be a multi-day event affecting large portions of the country in the first full weeks of the new year. Some areas will see storms with wintry mix and snow.
What can Mississippi expect?
Most of Mississippi can expect temperatures 10-20 degrees below normal, leading to subfreezing but not subzero weather. Currently, precipitation chances are staying low overall.
Most of the state can look for rain and thunderstorms on Sunday, Jan. 5. The Jackson area also has a risk for isolated tornadoes.
Temperatures in Southaven will run cooler than central and southern Mississippi. Per AccuWeather, the low will drop to 18 degrees on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and the daytime high is 32°F on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Overnight lows will be below freezing from Jan. 5-14. The best chance of rain is on Sunday, Jan. 5. Prepare for strong to severe thunderstorms. Snow is not currently in the forecast, but there is a chance of cold rain and sleet early on Jan. 14.
Around Gulfport, rain is likely Jan. 4-5 when highs will be comfortably in the 50s to 70s. AccuWeather forecasts call for highs to dip down to 29 during the cold snap with overnight lows below 32°F from Jan. 6-8 withe a warmer night on the ninth, followed by more subfreezing nights Jan. 10-11. There’s a 35% chance of rain on Jan. 9 and 10, when daytime highs will be in the 50s. There are higher chances of rain on Jan. 14 and 15, and temperatures are expected to be above freezing.
Early January daily forecast in Mississippi
In the six-to-10-day National Weather Service forecast, Mississippi is expected to have below-average temperatures and precipitation for Jan. 7-11. For Jan. 9-15, the precipitation chances shift to near median. Most of the state is set to see average precipitation or less during that period.
According to AccuWeather, as of Jan. 2, the Jackson area can expect the following for the first two weeks of the year:
- Jan. 2: High 60°F, low 37°F.
- Jan. 3: High 61°F, low 35°F.
- Jan. 4: High 54°F, low 48°F.
- Jan. 5: High 67°F, low 29°F, some showers, thunderstorms and the chance for an isolated tornado.
- Jan. 6: High 40°F, low 25°F.
- Jan. 7: High 41°F, low 24°F.
- Jan. 8: High 41°F, low 23°F.
- Jan. 9: High 47°F, low 28°F, 35% chance of precipitation with snow possible in the morning and rain in the afternoon.
- Jan. 10: High 44°F, low 22°F, 35% chance of precipitation with snow and sleet possible in the morning and rain in the afternoon.
- Jan. 11: High 40°F, low 27°F.
- Jan. 12: High 49°F, low 31°F.
- Jan. 13: High 50°F, low 29°F.
- Jan. 14: High 46°F, low 28°F.
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
- 2024: 51.2
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball was tied against Arkansas in the eighth inning or later in both of its losses in the SEC opening series.
The Bulldogs lost on a walk-off home run on March 13 and then 7-3 the next day in the second game of a doubleheader to ultimately lose the series.
No. 6 MSU (17-4, 1-2 SEC) doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses to start coach Brian O’Connor’s first season. All four of its losses before it hosts Vanderbilt (13-9, 2-1) at Dudy Noble Field March 20-22 are against teams ranked in the top 15. Texas A&M is the only other SEC team that hasn’t lost to an unranked opponent.
But if there’s one aspect where Mississippi State could get even better, it’s the bullpen.
“Our starting pitching has been really outstanding,” O’Connor said after MSU’s 17-1 win against Jackson State on March 17. “I’d like to see us be a little bit more consistent in the bullpen and have an understanding of what we’re going to get when we put somebody out there. That’s not a knock on anybody, it just hasn’t shown up yet. Typically, that happens with youth.”
Does Mississippi State baseball have a closer?
There isn’t a strict rule in baseball that a team needs one designated closer, but it’s often preferred. MSU doesn’t seem to have a closer that’s emerged so far.
Ben Davis was the preseason favorite for that role and leads MSU with two saves, but he hasn’t been super sharp. He allowed four runs to UCLA in 3⅓ innings on March 1. The right-handed senior surrendered two runs in two innings in his last appearance against Arkansas to raise his ERA to 5.25.
Three other pitchers have one save each: Maddox Webb, Tyler Pitzer and Brendan Sweeney.
The Bulldogs haven’t had many save opportunities, but more will come in SEC play. They are 15-0 after six innings when leading, but 0-2 when tied.
Mississippi State’s best, worst relief pitchers so far
One of Mississippi State’s best relievers has been a bit of a surprise in Jack Gleason.
After redshirting in 2025, there wasn’t much buzz about the right-hander. He has a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings in 2026. Gleason and Davis are tied for the most innings pitched out of the bullpen.
Left-hander Dane Burns hasn’t allowed a run in nine appearances, but only 5⅓ innings. He threw only one pitch in his last outing, hitting an Arkansas batter and then immediately getting pulled. Burns and Gleason are tied for first on MSU with a 0.75 WHIP.
Webb has a 2.35 ERA, Pitzer a 2.70 ERA and Sweeney at 5.73 ERA.
Mississippi State has eased freshman Parker Rhodes in, but after two no-hit innings against Jackson State, his ERA is down to 1.42 in 6⅓ innings. Rhodes leads the SEC with a .050 opponent batting average.
“He’s a young kid with a really good arm that I think can help us and help maybe solidify that bullpen a little bit,” O’Connor said. “We’ll see.”
Mississippi State has a few pitchers off to slow starts.
Charlie Foster began the season as the third weekend starter but is now in the bullpen. He walked the first three batters he faced in a relief appearance against Jackson State and holds a 5.06 ERA.
Maddox Miller has a 6.23 ERA in 8⅔ innings and one start; Chris Billingsley Jr. has a 6.75 ERA in 6⅔ innings; Jack Bauer, the freshman who can throw 103 mph, has a 22.50 ERA in only two innings and hasn’t pitched since Feb. 28.
How Mississippi State pitching matches up with Vanderbilt
From strictly a numbers standpoint, Vanderbilt will be a tougher challenge for MSU’s pitching than Arkansas was. Though there could be an advantage for MSU playing in front of its home crowd.
The Commodores are seventh in the SEC in runs scored, while Arkansas is 14th. Vanderbilt has crushed the second-most home runs in the conference at 52. The Commodores are also second in slugging percentage at .603, but have the second-most strikeouts in the SEC.
Braden Holcomb is tied for second in the SEC with 11 home runs.
Mississippi State is 10th in the SEC with a 3.69 ERA.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
Mayflower Cafe named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants of 2026
Take a look inside Mayflower Cafe in Jackson, Mississippi, named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants for 2026.
Southern Living released its 2026 list of the most legendary restaurants in the South. These places are longtime favorites that became community icons. They’re fan favorites from breakfast through date night.
“The South’s most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations, and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming back,” Southern Living wrote. “From white-tablecloth dining rooms to beloved small-town cafés, these long-standing eateries with decades of history serve up more than just wonderful meals.”
Here’s what we know about the only Mississippi restaurant to make the list.
Southern Living says this Mississippi restaurant is ‘legendary’
City Grocery Restaurant is on the Square in Oxford, Mississippi.
Chef John Currence founded it in 1992 in a converted livery stable. The City Grocery was a 2025 Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurant.
“Grounded in a mix of culinary styles and featuring homegrown flavors that define Southern cooking, this spot catalyzed a new interest in North Mississippi restaurants that’s still going strong over three decades later,” Southern Living wrote.
People can grab a drink at the upstairs bar. Or you can experience fine dining downstairs.
Today, the James Beard award nominee runs four restaurants in Oxford:
When to go to City Grocery
City Grocery is open six days a week for lunch and dinner.
Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 6-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 6-10:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday.
Bar hours start at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Reservations are recommended.
Southern Living’s Most Legendary Restaurants in the South
Southern Living names more than 30 restaurants among the most legendary in the South. Only one is from Mississippi.
- The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia
- The Old Mill and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida
- Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
- Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia
- Poogan’s Porch in Charleston, South Carolina
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia
- Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama
- The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
- The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
- Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Captain Anderson’s in Panama City Beach, Florida
- Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
- Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
- Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia
- The Smith House in Dahlonega, Georgia
- Crafted at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky
- 82 Queen in Charleston, South Carolina
- The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
- Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida
- The Pirate’s House in Savannah, Georgia
- Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Hugo’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas
- The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama
- Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas
- The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia
- Jack Fry’s in Louisville, Kentucky
- City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Contributing: Vanessa Countryman
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
Mississippi
4 Mississippi state parks remain closed due to lingering impact of January ice storm – SuperTalk Mississippi
Four state parks and one county lake remain closed as restoration work continues in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks said that the following facilities are not welcoming visitors at this time: Wall Doxey State Park, P. Coleman State Park, George P. Cossar State Park, John W. Kyle State Park, and Tippah County Lake.
Insurance payouts exceed $60M as Winter Storm Fern claims mount in Mississippi
“These closures remain necessary due to ongoing cleanup efforts, including the removal of storm debris, downed trees, and other hazards that pose potential safety risks to visitors and staff,” an official statement from the department reads. “Widespread impacts from the January ice storm caused significant damage across these properties, and crews are continuing to work diligently to restore safe access.”
Officials said they will notify the public when the parks and lake reopen.
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