Jackson, Mississippi – A widespread blast of winter cold will sweep across central Mississippi and the lower Mississippi Valley Sunday night, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season so far and dangerous wind chills by early Monday.
The most impactful conditions arrive after sunset Sunday as temperatures drop rapidly into the teens and lower 20s. Gusty north winds will push wind chills down near 10 degrees across much of central Mississippi, with the coldest readings just before sunrise Monday. The chill will be especially noticeable in exposed areas and along open roadways.
According to the National Weather Service office in Jackson, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday for a large portion of central Mississippi, northeast Louisiana, and southeast Arkansas. Counties impacted include Hinds, Rankin, Madison, Yazoo, Warren, Copiah, Simpson, Lauderdale, Jones, Forrest, Lamar, and Adams, along with cities such as Jackson, Ridgeland, Brandon, Vicksburg, Natchez, Meridian, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Brookhaven, and Greenwood.
Travel late Sunday night and early Monday along I-20, I-55, I-220, and U.S. 49 will be met with biting cold, particularly for anyone stranded or dealing with vehicle issues. According to emergency management officials, residents should limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing with hats and gloves, and check on elderly neighbors before conditions deteriorate. Outdoor pets should have warm shelter and unfrozen water.
The cold may also stress pipes and increase heating demand. Residents are urged to protect exposed plumbing, use space heaters safely, and avoid running generators or grills indoors. Even brief exposure without protection could lead to hypothermia under these conditions.
Temperatures recover slowly Monday afternoon, but another chilly night is possible as winter settles firmly across the region.
