Jackson, Mississippi — A late-season cool down will move into Mississippi early Friday, May 8, bringing below-normal temperatures and the potential for patchy overnight frost that could affect travel and outdoor activity across Jackson, Tupelo, Meridian, Hattiesburg, and Greenville.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 20–30% below normal through May 14, with the coolest stretch arriving Friday night into early Saturday. The most likely window for frost development is between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Saturday, mainly across northern and rural parts of the state.
That cooler air will create localized impacts. Patchy frost is possible in sheltered and low-lying areas near Tupelo and the Golden Triangle, where temperatures may dip into the mid-30s. Sensitive plants could see minor damage, and early morning drivers may encounter slick spots on elevated roadways such as bridges along I-55 and I-20.
Light rain moving through Friday night may leave roads damp, and cooler temperatures before sunrise could allow moisture to settle on road surfaces. Low-lying roads and flood-prone intersections in Jackson and Meridian, including underpasses and drainage-prone areas, could see minor water pooling that reduces visibility and slows travel within minutes of heavier showers.
Drivers should remain alert for changing conditions early Saturday, particularly on bridges and in rural areas where temperatures drop fastest. Residents in northern Mississippi should consider covering sensitive vegetation overnight.
The highest risk for patchy frost and early morning travel impacts centers on Saturday between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.
