First Alert Forecast: seasonable Friday; rain, few storms return Saturday

Outside of spotty showers, we are getting a much needed break from all the rain as we wrap up the work week. Even still, river levels are rising and the Pearl River at Jackson is still expected to crest tomorrow. Fortunately, the forecast crest has dropped half a foot, down to 35', but will still likely cause issues in areas that haven't seen Pearl River related flooding in years.

Additional showers due to an increase in moisture and the eventual passage of a cold front will also aggravate already increasing river levels. Up to half an inch of rain will be possible into Saturday from the early morning hours through the early afternoon. Temperatures will be able to reach around 70° before MUCH drier and colder air moves in by the second half of the weekend!

Outdoor plans will be good to go on Sunday, just anticipate the 30s to start, with highs barely reaching the low 50s. Even colder conditions move in by the start of next week as another push of cold air arrives to the region. MLK Day will start in the low 30s and only top out in the mid 40s... Tuesday and Wednesday will both start off in the mid-upper 20s. We could even experience wind chills as low as the teens getting out the door to work and school Tuesday morning!

Fortunately, high pressure will keep us dry in this timeframe before another potent low pressure system moves back into the region by the end of the 7-day forecast. This will bring us our next chance for showers and storms, stay tuned for updates regarding timing/strength.

RIVER STAGES

Pearl River

At Carthage: 23.5’ -> 23.8′ Saturday

At Jackson: 33.7’ -> 35.0′ Saturday

At Rockport: 34.5’ -> Steady

Big Black River

At West: 20.8’ -> Slow Fall

At Bentonia: 28.4’ -> Steady

At Bovina: 38.7’ -> Steady

Steele Bayou (Landside)

90.1’ -> Rising to 91-92’– Gates ARE CLOSED

Mississippi River

At Greenville: 47.2’ -> 49.5’ JAN 26

At Vicksburg: 43.1’ -> 44.5’ JAN 28

At Natchez: 49’.6 -> 51.5’ JAN 30

Rachel Coulter

WLBT/FOX 40 First Alert Meteorologist

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @Coulter_wx

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