Mississippi Faces Extreme to Significant Cold Through Early This Week as Wind Chills Drop Below Zero Overnight

MISSISSIPPI — A dangerous cold outbreak is unfolding across Mississippi, with much of the state under Significant (Level 3) to Extreme (Level 4) cold risk through early this week, according to updated data from the National Weather Service in Jackson. The cold is expected to peak tonight, bringing the most dangerous wind chills of the event before gradually easing later in the week.

Where the Worst Cold Is Concentrated in Mississippi

The cold risk is not uniform across the state and is clearly divided by severity:

• Extreme Cold (Level 4):
  Northern and western Mississippi, including Greenville, Greenwood, and Yazoo City, where wind chills are expected to fall near or below 0°F, with some areas dropping as low as -5°F to -10°F overnight.
• Significant Cold (Level 3):
  Central and southern Mississippi, including Jackson, Vicksburg, Natchez, Brookhaven, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Philadelphia, and Columbus, where wind chills remain dangerously cold with temperatures well below normal for January.

Timeline: Coldest Conditions Tonight, Lingering Through Early Week

Forecast guidance shows the coldest wind chills occurring tonight, making this the most dangerous period of the outbreak. While temperatures may slowly recover during the day, cold conditions will persist through early this week, keeping the risk elevated for prolonged exposure.

What the Cold Levels Mean for Residents

• Extreme (Level 4):
  • Wind chills near or below 0°F
  • Overnight lows as cold as -5°F to -10°F
  • Increased risk of frostbite in a short time
• Significant (Level 3):
  • Wind chills near or below 10°F
  • Daytime highs struggling to rise above freezing

Expected Impacts Across Mississippi

Officials warn this cold outbreak can lead to serious impacts statewide:

• Frostbite possible in 30 minutes or less
• Hypothermia risk with prolonged outdoor exposure
• Damage to exposed pipes and increased risk of water main breaks
• Stress on heating systems, especially in areas not accustomed to extreme cold

Safety Precautions Residents Should Take

Mississippi residents are urged to act now:

• Limit time outdoors, especially overnight and early morning
• Wear multiple layers and cover exposed skin
• Protect pipes and allow faucets to drip
• Bring pets indoors
• Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals

This cold event is unusual for Mississippi and carries risks typically seen much farther north. With the most dangerous conditions occurring tonight, residents are encouraged to take precautions immediately and remain alert through early this week.

How cold did it get in your part of Mississippi? Share your experience with us at CabarrusWeekly.com.