Jackson, MS – Mississippi residents may be heading into 2026 with unusually warm conditions, as long-range forecasts indicate a stretch of near-record heat developing after Christmas and lasting through the New Year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 8–14 day temperature outlook for Saturday, December 27 through Friday, January 2 favors above-normal temperatures across Mississippi, including Jackson, the Delta region, the Gulf Coast, and much of central and northern Mississippi.
In Jackson, daytime highs during the post-Christmas to New Year’s period are expected to run well above late-December averages, with some days potentially approaching or challenging daily record highs. Late December typically brings cooler, more variable winter conditions to the region, making the projected warmth especially notable.
Meteorologists say the warm pattern is being driven by a broad ridge of high pressure dominating much of the eastern and central United States, limiting cold air intrusions from the north and keeping sustained winter chill locked farther away. As a result, overnight lows may also remain elevated, reducing the likelihood of frost or freezing temperatures.
The warm signal may extend beyond New Year’s Day. NOAA’s Week 3–4 outlook for January 3–16, 2026 continues to lean above average for temperatures across much of Mississippi, particularly across central and southern portions of the state. While confidence decreases farther into January, current data suggests a mild start to the new year.
The extended warmth could impact energy demand, agriculture, outdoor plans, and winter weather expectations, including a reduced risk of prolonged cold spells. Forecasters caution that winter patterns can still shift quickly, but for now, Mississippi appears poised for a warmer-than-normal opening to 2026.
