When will polar vortex reach Mississippi? Arctic blast to bring freezing temps next week

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.

See 3-month NOAA forecast What does a La Niña winter mean for Mississippi?

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.

More: 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

• 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