Wintry weather expected to move toward Mississippi. What to expect, how to prepare

The National Weather Service is forecasting cold temperatures associated with storm systems bringing high winds, heavy rain, in Mississippi starting the week of Jan. 14.

Chad Entremont, NWS science and operations officer in Jackson, said for over the next seven to 14 days, it will be a "fairly complex" weather pattern.

He said there are not many details on how the storm system will set up for the upcoming week, but there is at least some potential for wintry weather such as ice, sleet and even snow beginning Monday, Jan. 15, and lingering over into the night.

Entremont said that once temperatures reach below freezing, it is likely to stay below freezing until Wednesday, Jan. 17, for much of the state. There is potential for pipes to burst due to the prolonged freeze.

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"One thing we are more confident in is getting arctic air coming in and getting very dangerously cold temperatures starting on Monday," Entremont said. "We're pretty confident that the whole area is going to probably see lows, at least in the teens with some areas … seeing a single digit."

Entremont said the forecast is an early prediction, and forecasts are subject to change.

In Jackson, the latest forecast indicated temperatures could drop around 20 degrees Monday and fall near 15 degrees by nighttime. Moving south into Hattiesburg, the forecasts predicted temperatures to be in the lower 20s with some potential to drop down into the teens.

In Biloxi, the forecast shows cloudy skies and some heavy showers in the afternoon. At this time, temperatures not expected to fall below 22 degrees.

Entremont said north of Jackson, there is more potential for colder temperatures and single digit readings.

In Oxford, Monday's temperature could reach a low of 2 degrees and a high of 22 degrees. In Tupelo, forecasts predict a low of 7 degrees and a high of 28 degrees. In Southaven, there is the potential for temperatures to reach a low of 1 degree.

Residents are urged to stay inside with heat running during extreme cold weather and seek shelter if they do not have housing.

"The main thing is to be prepared and be weather aware," Entremont said. "Right now is the time to be putting a plan in place. Then, you can enact the plan once you get any kind of severe weather warnings."

Tips for preparing for the winter and cold weather, provided by the National Weather Service, are listed below.

Winterize Your Home Tips: Some steps provided by NWS to prepare your home for the winter is to inspect your chimney, insulate exposed pipes, caulk and weather strip doors and windows, and gather supplies.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations Tips: NWS considers newborns, older adults, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and unhoused people as vulnerable populations. NWS advises to them to dress in loose layers with all exposed skin covered, consume hot foods and warm drinks — not caffeine and alcohol, and limit or avoid time outdoors.

Don't Forget Your Pets Tips: NWS advises people to keep your pets warm, dry and indoors whenever possible, provide them with plenty of food and water, and keep them bundled up if outside.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Wintry weather possible in Mississippi forecast predicts