Winter Weather Update – January 20, 5 Am CST

Click HERE and HERE for an update concerning the winter weather threat tonight through Friday morning as well as the multiple freezes over the next several days.

Changes from the previous update:

  • The likelihood of impactful wintry precipitation tonight/Friday has decreased
  • Added information regarding several nights of freezing conditions

Overview: Wintry Precipitation

WHAT: Minor accumulation of freezing drizzle possible.

WHEN: IF any accumulation occurs, it would be most likely between the hours of 2 am and 8 am tonight/Friday morning. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the mid to upper 30s by 10 am and any lingering ice should melt at that point.

WHERE: A Winter Weather Advisory remains in place for most of SE LA and S MS (see advisory map below), with the greatest threat, lies generally in a corridor along I-10/12 (see current forecast ice accumulation graphic below).

CONFIDENCE: 

Confidence has decreased in any accumulation of light freezing rain/drizzle. It now looks like the precipitation may come to an end before surface temperatures drop below freezing. However, the forecast is very sensitive to changes in timing and thus the winter weather advisory remains in place.

IMPACTS:

  • Minor accumulation of light freezing rain/drizzle is possible
  • Ice accumulation will be most likely on bridges and elevated surfaces
  • Even a light glazing of ice on bridges could cause travel hazards
     

Overview: Cold Temperatures and Wind Chills

WHAT: Several nights of freezing temperatures and/or wind chills

WHEN: Each night tonight through Sunday night. The coldest temperatures are expected Friday night and Saturday night when freezing conditions are forecast across most of the area, and hard freeze conditions are currently forecast across northern areas. (See graphics below)

WHERE: Areas will vary by night, with the coldest temperatures generally across Southwest Mississippi and through the Pearl and Pascagoula drainage areas.

CONFIDENCE: 

We have high confidence in several nights of freezing temperatures and wind chills across much of the area, especially Friday and Saturday nights

IMPACTS (Friday night and Saturday night):

  • Temperatures will fall into the low to mid-20s north and upper 20s to mid-30s south
  • Freezing temperatures can damage citrus and other sensitive agricultural crops.
  • Temperatures in the low to mid-20s can cause damage to unprotected pipes
     

The images HERE and HERE highlight the forecast minimum temperatures and wind chills for Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning. Since freezing temperatures are forecast for several nights, please refer to the point and click hourly forecasts on our website for individual locations and to determine specifics of duration below freezing for individual locations.