Jackson, MS – Central Mississippi is preparing for a damp and chilly turn in the weather this weekend as a developing system brings widespread rain followed by a sharp drop in temperatures. With post-Thanksgiving travel increasing, residents and travelers should brace for wet roads, cooler mornings, and unstable conditions beginning late Saturday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that Saturday’s temperatures will rise to around 60°F before showers move into the Jackson metro area. Rain chances increase sharply after sunset, with 60–90% odds of showers Saturday night. Drivers heading north on I-55 or east on I-20 may experience slick roads and pockets of standing water that could slow evening travel.
Incoming Saturday Storm System
Forecasters expect gray skies, damp winds, and scattered showers to gradually develop through Saturday afternoon. By late evening, a more organized band of rain is likely to spread across central Mississippi, particularly around Jackson and neighboring counties.
Meteorologists say these showers may include pockets of thunder, though severe storms are not expected at this time.
Travelers returning from holiday gatherings should remain alert for reduced visibility, slick pavement, and possible localized ponding, especially on secondary roads and rural highways.
Timeline of Expected Weather Changes
Saturday afternoon will start relatively mild, but conditions will deteriorate quickly:
- Late Afternoon: Light showers begin developing west of Jackson.
- After Sunset: Rain chances rise dramatically, reaching up to 90%.
- Overnight Into Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms remain possible.
- Sunday Morning: Brisk north winds push colder air into the region.
This progression marks the beginning of a larger-scale pattern shift that could influence the region well into early December.
Cooler Air Moves in Sunday
By Sunday, lingering rain will taper off as strong north winds bring in noticeably cooler air. High temperatures will drop to the mid-50s, with overnight lows falling into the mid-30s by early Monday morning.
Forecasters warn that some low-lying areas could see patchy frost, a reminder that winter conditions are beginning to settle across the Southeast.
A meteorologist noted:
“This weekend system is one of the first signals of a colder-than-normal pattern that may dominate the first week of December.”
Early Sign of a December Cold Pattern
From December 2–6, a deep atmospheric trough is expected to form over the central and eastern United States. This setup could lead to:
- Colder-than-average temperatures
- Increased rainfall
- Breezy mornings
- Possible frost in rural areas
Mississippi may experience a pronounced cold snap, with some mornings feeling particularly chilly compared to late November norms. Areas from central Mississippi to the Tennessee Valley could see more moisture and a higher chance of rain as the pattern evolves.
What Residents Should Prepare For
With the weekend transition already underway, residents should take basic precautions to stay safe and comfortable:
- Keep umbrellas and jackets handy for Saturday afternoon and evening.
- Use caution on wet roads, especially during nighttime travel.
- Prepare for colder mornings starting Sunday.
- Monitor local forecasts for updates on next week’s temperature drop.
- Protect sensitive outdoor plants from potential early-week frost.
Five-Day Forecast for Jackson, MS
- Friday: Partly sunny, high 55°F.
- Saturday: Rain likely late, high 60°F.
- Sunday: Showers early, high 55°F, low 35°F.
- Monday: Cooler and partly cloudy, high 47°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 56°F.
Conclusion
Mississippi is gearing up for a wet Saturday followed by a noticeable December chill that will settle in through early next week. With heavy travel expected after the Thanksgiving holiday, staying weather-aware will help ensure safe and smooth plans.
How are you preparing for the colder weather ahead? Share your experiences in the comments below.
