Weather
Arkansas-Louisiana-Mississippi Fire Weather Watch: 35 MPH Gusts Friday, Oct 16
Jackson, MS – Strong northerly winds, critically dry vegetation and falling humidity could create dangerous wildfire conditions across much of central Mississippi Friday, October 16, prompting the Nat
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-15T08:54:06.882Z
Jackson, MS – Strong northerly winds, critically dry vegetation and falling humidity could create dangerous wildfire conditions across much of central Mississippi Friday, October 16, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Fire Weather Watch. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph across the broader watch area, creating conditions in which newly ignited fires could spread rapidly. The threat extends beyond Mississippi into portions of southeastern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana, making Friday a potentially significant day for outdoor fire safety across the three state region.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Fire Weather Watch issued Wednesday, October 14, at 4:45 p.m. CDT is scheduled to remain in effect from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. CDT Friday. The watch covers much of central Mississippi, southeastern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana. Forecasters warn that a combination of gusty north winds, low relative humidity and critically dry fuels could support rapid wildfire growth if fires develop.
Fire Weather Watch Covers Three States The National Weather Service expects north winds of 15 to 25 mph across the watch area, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph. Minimum relative humidity values are forecast between 25% and 45%, while vegetation and other combustible materials are described as critically dry. These conditions could allow fires to ignite more easily and spread quickly, particularly where strong winds push flames through dry grass, brush or wooded areas.
The watch includes portions of central Mississippi, including the Jackson metropolitan area and surrounding counties, as well as communities in southeastern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana. The National Weather Service emphasizes that outdoor burning is not recommended during the watch period. Residents should also avoid activities that could accidentally ignite dry vegetation, including improperly discarded smoking materials or equipment that produces sparks.
A Fire Weather Watch indicates that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. It does not mean a wildfire is currently burning or that an evacuation has been ordered. Forecasters note that the watch could be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning if confidence increases that critical conditions will develop.
Jackson Faces Gusty Winds and Sharp Temperature Changes Around Jackson, Thursday, October 15, will remain unusually warm, with sunshine and temperatures reaching approximately 93 degrees. Light winds are expected during the afternoon, but conditions begin changing Thursday night as a colder air mass approaches the region.
Friday brings increasing clouds and a high near 86 degrees, with north northwest winds strengthening to 15 to 20 mph during the morning. Gusts could reach approximately 30 mph in Jackson, slightly below the maximum 35 mph gusts identified across the broader watch area.
The stronger winds could affect outdoor work, agricultural operations and travel along exposed stretches of Interstate 20, Interstate 55 and Interstate 220. Although the forecast does not identify road closures or active wildfire related disruptions, blowing debris and rapidly spreading fires could become concerns if ignition occurs.
Cooler Weekend Weather Follows Fire Threat By Friday night, temperatures around Jackson are expected to fall to approximately 51 degrees as northerly winds continue at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph. The cooler conditions persist Saturday, when sunshine returns and afternoon temperatures reach only 72 degrees.
Saturday night brings another chilly period, with clear skies and temperatures falling near 48 degrees. Sunday offers slightly warmer conditions, with sunshine and a high near 76 degrees before temperatures recover into the 80s early next week.
The forecast indicates no significant rainfall through Wednesday, October 21, meaning dry conditions could persist even after Friday's strongest winds diminish. Residents should continue following local burn restrictions and updated National Weather Service fire weather information.
Will Friday's elevated wildfire danger change your outdoor plans across Mississippi, Arkansas or Louisiana?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Sunny skies and unusually warm temperatures are expected across Jackson, with an afternoon high near 93 degrees and light southeast winds around 5 mph; clear conditions continue Thursday night, with temperatures falling near 65 degrees.
Friday 10/16: A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, with increasing clouds, a high near 86 degrees and north northwest winds gusting to 30 mph around Jackson; nighttime temperatures fall near 51 degrees.
Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies return with considerably cooler temperatures reaching approximately 72 degrees, while north northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph could gust near 25 mph; clear skies Saturday night allow temperatures to fall near 48 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunshine continues across central Mississippi with an afternoon high near 76 degrees and east winds of 5 to 10 mph; clear skies persist Sunday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 50 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunny and warmer conditions are expected, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 80 degrees across Jackson; mostly clear conditions continue Monday night, with temperatures falling near 54 degrees and no precipitation indicated.
Extended Outlook: October 20 21 Tuesday, October 20, is expected to remain sunny, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 85 degrees. Mostly clear conditions continue Tuesday night, with temperatures falling near 55 degrees.
Wednesday, October 21, should bring another sunny and warm afternoon, with temperatures reaching approximately 87 degrees.