New Year coming in like a lion !

A powerful weather system is forecast to impact our area beginning in the afternoon Friday. At this time there appears to be the potential for severe thunderstorms, heavy rains and even a tornado or two. I think the the best threat for tornadoes will remain to our west but they certainly can not be ruled out for our area. We will have a much better handle on that part of the event tomorrow morning. The biggest threat at this time appears to be severe thunderstorms early on and as the evening progresses it become more of a heavy rain event that will most likely last past midnight into early Saturday. One the system finally shifts east the threat of severe weather and heavy rain will diminish and chilly and drier weather return by Saturday evening. Stay tuned to WDAM-TV and wdam.com for the latest weather updates. Rex

Cold weather will lose grip this week.

Very cold high pressure is currently dominating our weather but it will eventually move east and we will begin to warm up somewhat as we get into the middle and latter parts of the week. At this time it appears New Years Eve will be mild with highs around 71 with a chance for showers during the day. As far as New Years Even celebrations that night we will run the risk of showers and thunderstorms. Those shower and thundershower chances will linger into New Years Day before ending that night. Sunny and slightly cooler will arrive for Sunday but at this time we do not see temps anywhere near as cold as what we are currently enduring. Rex

Cold air is here !!!

Very cold air is now in the area and will remain through the early part of next week with a hard freeze likely Sunday and Monday nights. As we head into the last week of 2010 we will are noting a weather pattern change and that means warmer air by the end of the week as we head into New Years Eve. A strong storm is forecast to invade the area by next Friday and it may bring with it the threat of severe weather. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. There are some indications that colder air will return in about the next 1o days are less, but that is something that we are uncertain about at this time. Happy holidays everyone. Rex

Happy holidays everyone !!!

For you last minute Christmas shoppers the weather could not be any better ! Sunny skies today with highs in the upper 50s to near 60. Partly cloudy tonight with lows in the mid 30s. A low pressure area is forecast to form in the Gulf south of our area and spread rain into the Pine Belt early on Christmas day. At this time it appears the heavist rain will occur in the morning hours tapering off to light rain in the afternoon. The forecast calls for a high of 50 but I feel that will occur early in the day as I think we will see temps falling into the 40s with a strong northerly wind in the afternoon. As the cold air moves in-and if there is enough lingering moisture-we could squeeze out a snow flake or two but I believe that most of the precipitation will move out of here early Saturday evening. Sunday through next Tuesday promises to be quite cold with a hard freeze on Monday and Tuesday mornings. In case you are traveling to Tenn-northern Alabama-you may encouter a white Christmas !! At this time I would like to say Happy Holidays to all and a wonderful New Year. We really appreciate you guys for watching WDAM and for logging on to wdam.com Rex

Good news for last minute Christmas shoppers.

Sunny, dry and cool weather will greet shoppers today and Friday. The big news is the low pressure area that is forecast to form in the Gulf of Mexcio by Friday night and bring rain to our area on Christmas day. If, and I say If there was enough moisture left in the atmosphere when cold air arrives on Saturday, we could possibly squeeze a snow flurrie or two out and that would be great for Christmas. I think the chances are slim at this time, but will continue to monitor the situation just in case later models runs start changing their minds. In any event, it is going to be much colder going into Christmas night lasting into the middle of next week. Rex

Some changes to the Christmas forecast.

The strong cold front that was forecast to make it through our area on Christmas Eve appears to be slowing somewhat and is now expected to arrive on Christmas Day resulting in better rain chances. It appears that the heaviest rain will occur during the morning hours and taper off to light rain in the afternoon before ending. Much colder air will filter in behind the front with highs during the day only in the 40s. As we go in to Christmas night temps will fall to around 30. Really cold air will filter in by Sunday with highs only reaching the upper 30s and lows Sunday night into early Monday morning will be in the lower 20s ! Rex

Rare Lunar Eclispe Early Tuesday !

A very rare lunar eclispe will occur early Tuesday morning beginnig at 12:33 am-peeking at 2:15 am and ending by 4:01 am. The reason the event is so rare is that it is occuring on the Winter Solstice which begins at 5:38 pm Tuesday. The last time a total eclispe occured on the Winter Solstice was December 21st, 1638 and will not occur again until December 21st 2094 ! The forecast calls for increasing clouds overnight with lows in the mid 40s. Hopefully there will be enough breaks in those clouds to catch a glimpse of this very rare event. Slight chance for showers on Christmas Eve but Chrismtas day looks to be sunny and quite chilly with highs around 50 and dropping into the 20s Christmas night. Happy Holidays everyone ! Rex

Finally warmer air has arrived !

A warmer airmass will replace the cold Arctic air that has been in place over the deep south for quite awhile now. Highs today will top out near 60 with lows tonight in the mid 50s. Even warmer on Thursday with highs in the lower 70s. Another front will sweep through the area on Saturday followed by colder weather. The air will not be of Arctic origin so it will not be as cold, but it will be chilly. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the 50s and lows Saturday night will be in the upper 20s. We will have a better idea about Christmas on Friday and I will blog about that. Rex

Arctic air now in the area !

Although skies will be sunny today expect highs of only around 40. Overnight lows are forecast to be in the 15-20 degree range so please take precautions ! It will still be chilly on Tuesday with highs in the upper 40s but lows will fall to only around 30 Tuesday night. By Thursday we will see temps rebound to around 70 ! Another front will move into the area by the weekend but the air behind it will not be quite as cold. Looking ahead to next week, a ridge of high pressure out in the Plains may deflect more cold air further to our east than directly over us. We are looking into the weather patterns for Christmas and we are getting some idea about what the weather may be like then, but I will hold off on that for a day or two as we get a better feel for what may happen. Rex

Arctic cold front coming !!!!

A strong cold front will push across our area Saturday night and bring with it a good chance for rain and possibly some isolated thunderstorms. After the frontal passage, Sunday promises to be very windy and down right cold with highs in the 40s and wind chills in the 30s ! A hard freeze is expected both Sunday and Monday nights. A gradual warm-up will take over by the end of next week before another front moves through. It is that time of year !! Have a great weekend ! Rex

Why it is NOT snowing.

Pretty much we have some precipitation above us and it is on the verge of snow and possibly a rain-snow mix. The problem is that the atmosphere is VERY DRY from the surface up to about 10,000 feet so any thing that attempts to fall to the surface evaporates before reaching the surface. Almost all of the ingrediants are there for a rain-snow mixture, it is the dry air that is causing the problem. More cold air is on tap tonight with a hard freeze forecast with lows near 20 and some folks could see upper teens so take precautions. More cold Arctic air arrives late in the weekend into early next week. Will we have more chances for snow before the winter is over ? Yes, I think we will so for all of you snow lovers, don't give up yet !!!! Rex

Snow possible in the area overnight !!!!

Latest data indicates that we could get a dusting of snow and possibly even a half inch overnight mainly between midnight and 9:00 am Wednesday. One or two models say an inch is possible ! Nick Ortego will have the latest information after new data comes in this afternoon so be sure and stay tuned to WDAM-TV and wdam.com as well as Facebook and Twitter!! Rex

Hard freeze tonight !

Temps will drop into into the 20-22 degree range tonight which will result in a hard freeze for the entire WDAM viewing area so take precautions today. Make sure your outside pipes are wrapped and also make sure you leave your water dripping a little as well. Of course don't forget about the elderly and other folks that may need help in staying warm and the family pets as well. There is a slight chance that we may see a snow shower later Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning as a strong upper level system moves overhead. Most of the moisture associated with this system will not be heavy enough to reach the surface, but if it does it will fall in the form of snow. Little if any accumulation is expected at this time but we will continue to monitor the system. It will mainly be a dry week and cool but by Friday temps will recover into the lower 60s for highs. By Saturday we will see a chance for a shower as front approaches with highs in the upper 60s. By Sunday the cold front will pass through with windy conditions expected and a slight chance for a shower. That front will be followed by colder air again starting early next week. Rex

Mild start to weekend then much colder !

Today and Saturday will be mild with highs in the 60s. A cold front will sweep through Saturday night and that will be the beginning of a much colder weather pattern setting up in the state that should last well into next week. Some models indicate that there will be just enough moisture in the air to produce a flurrie or two of snow as a disturbance moves overhead Tuesday night. At this time no accumulation is expected. Many nights next week will dip well into the 20s with afternoon highs mainly in the lower 50s and possibly just upper 40s. As we get a better handle on the temps we will update our forecasts. Have a great weekend ! Rex

Even colder weather pattern setting up for next week !

Several fronts will sweep through the Pine Belt over the next seven days. The first will be on Saturday with highs that day in the upper 60s then falling into the 30s overnight. Highs on Sunday will only be in the lower 50s and lows by Monday morning will be in the mid 20s-a hard freeze. Monday through Wednesday looks even colder with highs maily in the 40s and lows in the 20s ! We may have to adjust the temps downward some as we get a better handle on the extent of the cold air. Stay tuned ! Rex

Severe weather followed by colder weather !

A strong and complex weather system is forecast to impact the area beginning late this afternoon and tonight. The strongest storms, which could produce isolated tornadoes and heavy rain will arrive in the area between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Please keep up with the weather especially late this afternoon and tonight. After the front passes early Tuesday morning temps the rain will end rather quickly but there may be a few lingering sprinkls early. Temps will gradually fall and be in the 40s by Tuesday afternoon. Cool, dry weather will prevail for most of the rest of the week. Rex

Rain arrives on schedule-colder for the weekend !

The slow moving Arctic front has finally passed through the area this morning and we have lingering rain behind it. The rain should slowly taper off this afternoon, if not before and we should see clearing skies tonight with temps dipping slightly below freezing. Saturday and Sunday promises to be sunny with highs around 61 on Saturday and in the mid 60s on Sunday. Lows Sunday morning will be in the lower 30s. Another round of rain and possible thunderstorms are expected Monday into Tuesday before another round of colder air moves in by Wednesday and Thursday of next week. That air is expected to be colder with the next system. Have a great weekend ! Rex

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

A strong cold front is currently moving our way and will finally arrive sometime early Friday morning. Rain will be with the front but I think most of the day today will be dry with only a 30% chance for a shower or two. This is the kind of front that produces most of it's rain BEHIND it ! For folks going shopping early Friday morning, you may need and umbrella and a jacket as temps will struggle to make it to the mid 50s all day. Clearing and much colder weather is forecast for Friday night with lows around 31. Saturday and Sunday look sunny with highs on Saturday in the upper 50s and lows around freezing Saturday night -early Sunday morning. Highs on Sunday will rebound to the upper 60s. Another strong front will approach our area Monday and Tuesday followed by colder air again. We may not see temps reach the 80s again for the rest of the year. Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving !!!!!Rex

Cold front arrives Thanksgiving evening.

Although temps will be well above normal during the day on Thanksgiving, a strong cold front is forecast to move through resulting in much cooler weather late Thursday and into Friday. Friday is a huge shopping day and at this time it looks cloudy and chilly with a chance for rain showers. Highs that day are forecast to be in the 50s while on Thanksgiving day they will reach the lower 80s. The weekend still looks to have cool days and cold nights with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. Rex

Too warm for this time of year-but things will change !

The average temp for the area this time of year is for a high in the upper 60s and lows in the 40s. We are going to be well above that this week with highs in the upper 70s and even low 80s on Thanksgiving day! But hang on, by late Thursday night we are expecting a strong cold front to arrive followed by much colder air on Black Friday into the weekend-as a matter of fact, we should return to below normal. Highs on Friday are expected to only reach the 50s and lows for the weekend will be near or below freezing. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the 60s. Rex

Nice weekend at hand BUT big changes coming in our weather !

The weekend is shaping up to be very nice with partly cloudy skies with highs in the mid 70s and lows around 50-52. As we get towards the end of next week there will be a shot at some showers on Wednesday and Thanksgiving day. The big changes are expected after that as several shots of cold Arctic air are forecast to blast into the eastern and southern portions of our nation beginning late November into early December. These blasts of cold air could bring us the potential for a hard freeze but it is just a tad to early to tell at this time how cold it will get. I will keep you posted ! Rex

Nice weather expected to last for about a week.

Cool nights and mild days are on tap for about the next week before another system moves this way during Thanksgiving week. At this point, Turkey Day may infact be a turkey, weatherwise, as most models are forecasting rain then followed by somewaht colder air, but it still remains unclear on just how cold it will get. The real cold air that may bring us our first good freeze appears poised to drop into the deep south around the first week of December! Rex

Good rain expected on Monday !

Finally some rain has arrived in the Pine Belt but I expect most of rain will fall during the day on Monday and linger into Monday night before ending. Maybe we can squeeze out an inch or so !!!! It will be much appreciated ! Cooler and drier weather returns for Tuesday into Friday with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s each day. Rex

Rain chances increasing-colder by late week !

Our rain chances will be rather slim tonight and through the day on Sunday but will dramatically increase Sunday night into Monday with much needed rainfall coming. That system will move through by Tuesday with rain ending from the west. Wednesday will be sunny and mild with a high around 70 but then a strong coldd front will blast through bringing with it much cooler temps. Highs on Thursday and Friday will only be around 60 and then frosty nights will return by the weekend with lows in mid 30s. Rex

Rain chances increasing !

Although today will be sunny with highs in the upper 70s a weak cool front will approach our area over the weekend and give us a chance at some much needed rain especially Sunday evening into Monday. Although not drought busting rains, we could see about an inch or so and that would greatly help. Looking ahead to the Thanksgiving forecast. A huge mass of Arctic air over Canada is forecast to start heading south into the United States and if the jet stream gets far enough south we could be in far a cold holiday-but there is still some questions that far out in the forecast. I will keep you posted ! Have a great weekend ! Rex

Slight change !

Previously we had a 40% chance for rain in for Sunday but that now has been reduced to just a 20% chance. The better rain chances appear to be on Monday ! Rex

Nothing new to report- but that's good !!

High pressure is still the dominate weather freature for us and will continue to be for the next few days. By Saturday we will see some increase in moisture and have put a 20% chance for rain in the forecast but i think our rain chances will be better Sunday into Monday. No real cold weather expected until maybe near the last of the month. Rex

Looking good !

The weather looks good through at least Friday with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. As we get into Saturday we will see a slight increase in our chances for rain but as we go into the Sunday and Monday time frame we will see even better rain chances. Enjoy this nice weather while it lasts ! Rex

Sunny weather to continue next few days.

High pressure remains in control of our weather and will do so until about Friday. In between now and then expect sunny skies-mild afternoons and cool to chilly nights. We may introduce a chance for rain late Friday into Saturday as a weak front moves in. Once the front passes on Sunday expect cooler weather to return. Rex

Freeze warning this weekend !!

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for early Saturday morning and will most likely extend that into early Sunday morning as well. Widespread frost is expected for much of the WDAM viewing area on Saturday and Sunday mornings as lows are forecast to be in the lower 30s. Sunny skies will prevail for the weekend with highs of around 60 on Saturday and around 64 on Sunday. Great football weather but make you sure dress warmly for the games ! Have a great weekend ! Rex

Frosty weekend !!!!

Much colder air will be pouring into the area today through Sunday! Highs today will be in the mid 60s but with north winds at 10-25 mph will make it will feel much cooler. Clear skies tonight will allow temps to fall into the upper 30s. For Friday expect another breezy day with highs only in the upper 50s. For Friday night and early Saturday morning a widespread frost is likely with lows in the lower 30s by Saturday morning. For Saturday and Sunday highs will be in the low to mid 60s and lows in the lower to mid 30s with frost likely. A freeze warning or watch may have to be issued for the weekend ! Rex

Strong cold front expected soon !

A strong cold front will sweep through the area by early Thursday and it will be followed by the coldest weather we have seen since last Spring ! Sunny cool days and chilly nights beginning Thursday and lasting into the weekend. We may see some frost this weekend as well !! Rex

If you vote for some much needed rain today- then it's going to be a landslide !!

Much needed rain is currently headed towards our area and boy do we need it !!! This will likely be a slow moving system giving us a good soaking rain! There may be one or two isolated thunderstorms in the rain but not much if any severe weather is forecast at this time. By Thursday a very strong cold front will pass through taking the rain away but leaving behind it the coldest air that we have seen so for this season. Frost is likely Saturday morning so take steps to protect tender vegetation. Rex

BIG changes coming in the weather!!!

Starting this afternoon we will have a 30% chance for a shower or two and about a 40% chance after midnight tonight. The big news is that we are expecting much needed rain on Tuesday-Tuesday night Wednesday and Wednesday night before ending early Thursday morning. We could see up to 3 inches in isolated spots with the average amounts being at least one inch. THEN on Thursday morning a very potent cold front will sweep through the area bringing with it the coldest air of the Fall so far. We will see highs only in the 60s starting Thursday and lasting into Sunday with lows in the 30s for the weekend. I feel strongly that we will see a good frost this weekend-so be prepared for it !! Rex

Happy Halloween !

The weather for the holiday weekend is going to be nice enough to please the Great Pumpkin !!! Lows tonight are forecast to be in the upper 30s-especially in the more rural areas and there may be so scattered light frost. Saturday and Sunday look nice with highs in the 70s and lows in the 30s Saturday morning and upper 40s to around 50 Sunday morning. Even COLDER weather may arrive by next weekend ! Have a safe and happy holiday ! Rex

Cooler weather expected by late week.

Although most of the area missed out on the much needed rain that was forecast-some folks did manage to get some of the wet stuff-but we need much more. There is a slight chance for a stray shower this afternoon and on Tuesday but rain chances will increase to around 40% on Wednesday as a potent front approaches. After the front passes much cooler weather will return with highs on Friday and Saturday in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Rex

Severe weather possible late Sunday into early Monday morning !

A potent weather system is headed our way and showers and thunderstorms are forecast to begin developing in the area Sunday afternoon. As we progress into Sunday night and early Monday some of the storms may be on the severe side so keep up with the weather beginning Sunday afternoon. Warm weather is forecast to remain with us through Thursday with highs on Tuesday and Wednesday reaching the upper 80s-much too warm for this time of year. By Friday and Saturday cooler air will return with highs in the upper 70s and lows back to the 50s. Rex

Much needed rain on the way!!!

Tonight through Saturday night will be rain free but a much need shot of rain is headed to our area for Sunday, Sunday night into Monday!!! We could see up to an inch in most locations and some areas may get up to three inches in isolated spots. Have a great weekend ! Rex

Weather changes afoot !!

Weather patterns are slowly changing and we now have a good chance for rain in the forecast for Sunday into Sunday night with lingering chances into early next week !!! Tropical Storm Richard has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is forecast to move into the Gulf of Mexico sometime early next week. Will it have any effect on our weather ? Probably not but we will continue to watch it. Rex

Meteor shower early Thursday morning !

The Orionid meteor shower is expected during the predawn hours of Thursday and Friday mornings and the weather will be perfect for it. Mainly clear skies tonight and clear early Friday morning. Sunny skies will prevail through Friday with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the upper 40s for Thursday and Friday mornings. Mostly sunny and warm on Saturday with highs in the mid 80s and lows around 60. Slight chance for a shower on Sunday but much better chances for showers and thunderstorms on Monday and Monday night!!! Let's Hope !!! Rex

WOW!!! It rained at the station this evening !!!

We collected 0.03 in our rain bucket !!! Wow- that's fantastic ! I know I may sound alittle overboard-but at least we finally got enough to measure. We may see a stray shower overnight and ealy tomorrow morning but it appears that drier air will return for a few more days. Looking at possible changes in the weather-we do see a possibility of a good rain event around the last of the month or around the first week of November-let's HOPE ! Rex

Much wetter pattern coming ?

There are some indications within the computer forecast models of an upcoming weather pattern change by the end of the month that would return us to more normal ,wetter weather ! Let's hope that holds up because we are unusually dry and not much relief is in sight for the next week or so. We do have a slight chance for a shower Wednesday and then again next Monday but not enough to help the present situation. Rex

More of the same!!

Sunny skies are forecast to be with us through at least Tuesday and then mostly sunny through Friday. Highs through the period will be mainly in the 80s and lows in the 50s. There is a slight chance for a shower or two on Saturday and Sunday but the chances are slim at just 20%. Highs on Saturday will be around 80 and highs Sunday will be in the upper 70s. Lows will remain in the 50s for the weekend. Rex

Nice weekend weather !!!

Sunny days and clear nights are on tap for the weekend. Highs will be in the low to mid 80s and lows in the mid 40s. The next chance for rain will be on Wednesday of next week-otherwise-the dry weather pattern is expected to continue. Rex

Chilly nights and mild days ahead !

The weather pattern is still about the same resulting in sunny days and clear nights and that will last at least into next Tuesday. By next Wednesday a new weather system will approach and that may give us a SLIGHT chance for a shower. We could see some much cooler air by the end of next week. Looking for ahead into the weather future-it appears that a rather cool and dry Halloween may be on tap. Rex

Sunny, dry weather to continue !

Sunny day and cools nights or on tap for the next week with little relief in sight for the very long extended dry spell that we have been under. Looks like much colder weather will arrive sometime late next week ! Maybe as we go into November our rain chances will start picking up again. Let's hope ! Rex

Finally-a chance for showers today !

We have about a 60% chance for seeing showers and isolated thunderstorms during the morning and then again this afternoon and early evening. During the evening a weak front will push through thus ending our chances for rain. The rest of the week appears sunny and dry-but also cooler. Rex

Rain possible for Tuesday !

Dry weather will remain with us on Monday but we do have a shot at seeing some rain on Tuesday. Starting Wednesday and lasting into next weekend the dry conditions will return. Looking beyond next weekend there appears to be a rather push of much colder air headed our way. Stay tuned ! Rex

Sunny and dry weekend !

Sunny and dry weather will prevail through the weekend into early next week. We do expect a slight chance for a shower on Wednesday but that will barley put a dent in our very dry conditions. October is our driest month of the year normally and so far it is certainly living up to it's reputation. The tropics remain active with "Otto" out in the Atlantic but poses no problem for us at all. The hurricane season does not officially end until November 30th. Have a great weekend !!! Rex

Maybe a chance for some rain by early next week !

Dry weather will remain with us for the next four days but it now looks like we will at least see a chance for a few showers on Monday and Tuesday. October is our driest month on average so any rain at all will be a welcome relief !!! Lets keep our fingers crossed that this weather system does bring us the much needed rain. Please do not burn anything !!!! Rex

Stuck !

We are stuck in a very dry weather pattern and there appears to be little if any changes in it for at least the next week. Days will continue to be sunny and nights will continue to be clear. Please be aware that there is a significant fire danger so please use extreme caution if burning anything outdoors. Rex

Dry weather to continue !!

No rain is forecast for this area for at least the next week!!! We have two cold fronts coming through-one today and then another stronger front on Saturday. These fronts will bring cooler weather but also dry weather. The National Weather Service has issued a "Red Flag Warning" for the entire viewing area. If you must burn something outside-please have a water hose near by so it does not get out of hand. Winds are forecast to reach up to 25 mph this afternoon and that is a recipe for disaster-so please refrain from burning anything !!! Cooler temps are on the way as we will see mid 40s by early next week for overnight temps. Great football weather !! Have a safe and fun weekend ! Rex

Great football weather ahead !

Sunny days and clear nights or on tap for at least the next week ! Quite frankly, I can't find a chance for rain here for at least the next two weeks and we certainly could use some ! The only way that we will get any would be from a tropical system in the gulf and so far no reliable computer models are indicating any BUT keep in mind forecasts past about three days can be unreliable so keep your fingers crossed that something will break this very dry weather pattern. Rex

TWO more cold fronts on the way !!!

Two more cold fronts are forecast to arrive in the Pine Belt over the weekend. The first will arrive Friday bringing with it cooler temps but by Sunday and even stronger cold front will sweep through bringing with it even cooler temps ! No rain is sight for at least the next week and we will see highs in the 70s beginning on Saturday and lasting into early next week. Low temps will be in the 40s beginning Sunday morning and last into at least Tuesday ! This a good thing because this type of weather pattern protects us from any tropical storms that may form in the gulf or Caribbean but it's a bad thing because we are sorely behind on our rain totals. Things may change by the middle of October according to some of our long range forecast models. Stay tuned ! Rex

Nice weather to continue !

Sunny days and clear cool nights are on tap for the rest of the week. Another shot of cooler air is forecast to arrive by Sunday and that airmass may even be a little cooler ! Enjoy. A tropical storm is likely to form in the Caribbean today but will pose no threat to us here in south Mississippi. Rex

Fall weather has arrived !

Mostly sunny today with highs in around 89 and under clear skies tonight lows will fall into the mid 50s. For Tuesday into the weekend expect sunny days and cool clear nights with highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s. There is a developing tropical system in the western Caribbean but if it does become a storm it will most likely impact Florida and not our area. Enjoy the weather, looks to be a great week. Rex

A taste of Autumn on the way !

A cold front will bring a good chance of rain to our area by Sunday and that will be followed by cooler and drier conditons beginning on Monday and lasting into much of next week. Highs Monday through Thursday will be in the 80s and lows will range from the upper 50s to near 60. The weather system responsible for the cooler air will likely keep "Matthew" away from our area but could send the storm towards Florida. October is forecast to be an unusually active month for tropical activity this year so down let your guard down just yet ! Have a great weekend ! Rex

First day of Fall-will cooler weather soon arrive ?

Today is the first full day of Fall and temps are still running well above normal. There are some indications that we are in for a weather pattern change that will send a cold front our way and bring some relief from all of the hot weather that we have seen much of the summer. Temps by next Tuesday and Wednesday are forecasted to be nicer with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the upper 50s by Wednesday morning. Much needed rain is also possible on Sunday and Monday as well. As far as the tropics are concerned, we are expecting "Matthew" to form in the Caribbean sometime during the next few days and many of the computer forecast models indicate that it may enter the Gulf of Mexico by early next week. Will it have any impact on our weather ? It is much to early to tell at this time so my advice is to just keep up on the latest forecasts for the next week. Rex

Cha-cha-cha-changes !!!!

Finally a break appears to be coming in the stale, hot and dry weather pattern that has dominated the area for weeks. Although rain chances today through Friday are small, as we head into the weekend we will see those chances increase to 30% on Saturday and 50% on Sunday !!!! That's the best chance of rain we have seen in quite some time. High temps on Sunday into Tuesday will also only be in the 80s-and that is a welcome change. Fall offically begins tonight at 10:09 pm !!! The tropics could still pose a problem for us down the line. There is a fairly well organized tropical system in the Caribbean Sea and most models bring it to tropical storm or hurricane strength over the next several days. People from Louisian to Florida- and that includes us-is urged to keep an eye on this potentially dangerous system. I will keep you posted on it's progress. If it does develop as expected- it will named "Matthew". Rex

Lisa forms well out in the Atlantic-Matthew could be next.

Tropical storm Lisa has formed in the far eastern Atlantic and most likely will never pose a threat to the U.S. mainland but it will be watched for any possible changes. Closer to home there is a tropical disturbance in the eastern Caribbean Sea that does bear watching. Pratically all of the reliable forecast models develop a system in the western Caribbean over the next five days and many bring the system into the Gulf of Mexico. We will have to watch the system very closely becasuse the waters are still very warm and this could turn out to be a rather potent storm. A cool front is forecast to move through by Sunday and we may actually see temps in the 50s Monday night here in our area. Bring on Fall !!! Rex

First day of Autumn arrives Thursday-will it feel like it ?

Fall begins this Thursday, September 23rd but it's certainly not going to feel very much like it. Strong high pressure continues to dominate 0ur weather pattern and will do so for about the next week. There are indications that we may see some change in the overall weather patterns after this week which would result in more fall like weather. As for as rain chances are concerned those don't look very promising either as we will continue to remain mostly dry. We do have a 20% for Friday and a 30% for Saturday-lets hope that holds true ! Rex

18 days and counting !

We have gone 18 days in a row without a drop of rain in our rain bucket at WDAM and it appears there will not be any before mid to late next week at the earliest!! How will this pattern break down ? The computer forecast models indicate that a very strong trough of low pressure will swing through the U.S. next week and the models also indicate the ridge of high pressure breaking down and that should allow at least some moisture return from the Gulf of Mexico. There is also indications that some type of tropical system will form in the western Caribbean Sea next week and will be pulled north by the strong trough of low pressure. If that happens, and where the system makes landfall, will determine if we are going to get some much needed rain from that particular system or we will get some much needed rain from the retreating high pressure that allows for our normal moisture to flow in form the gulf ? We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you up to date. Have a great weekend. Rex

Rain, rain please don't go away !!!!

According to the almanac that we keep in the WDAM-TV weather office, the last time we measured rain was on August 29th-ironically-the fifth anniversary of Katrina ! We have not collected a drop since ! If we make it through today without any rain- of which is probable-that makes 18 days straight!! That is unheard of here in south Mississippi for September ! Normal rain totals average around 4.27 inches and sometimes much more if we are hit with a tropical system ! It may take a tropical system to break this dry spell and some models are hinting at something in the gulf late next week. We don't need a hurricane but we do need some rain because now we are heading into October which is typically our DRIEST month ! Maybe we can get a weak system in here to help us catch up. We will see how it goes next week. Rex

Dry and hot weather prevails but....

A strong ridge 0f high pressure continues to influence our weather and will do so for about another week. We are really getting dry around here and so far the only rain chances we see are about a 20% chance coming in next Tuesday. Now for the interesting part. Most of the major weather models are predicting that the high pressure ridge will begin to break down next week and several tropical cyclones may actually form in the Caribbean Sea and some are forecast to come into the Gulf of Mexico. What is very concerning here is the fact that the waters are very warm in the gulf and tropical systems must have warm water to maintain themselves. Are we going to be impacted here ? I can't say for certain but I will say that I would certainly keep up on the weather beginning next week. There is some concern that a major hurricane, or possibly more than one, will strike the U.S. mainland before the season is over. As I like to say-Stay Tuned !!! Rex

High pressure-good times !

High pressure is very much in control of our weather and will remain so for the rest of the week. Little if any rain if forecast until Monday ! One of the many good things that the high does is to keep any tropical storms or hurricanes away from our area ! Speaking of the tropics, we have Igor and Julia out in the open Atlantic and neither one of the systems will approach the U.S. mainland. One of the draw backs to the high though is the lack of rain so please be careful when burning brush or trash-if that is allowed in your area. In the longer range forecasts, it appears that a pattern change will take place over the next week or so and any tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantic may actually move towards the gulf so please don't let your guard down just yet as far as the hurricane season is concerned. Stay tuned ! Rex

High pressure !!!

High pressure is firmly in control of our weather and will be for the next few days leading to sunny hot days and clear cool nights. As we work towards the end of the work week will note a slight increase in afternoon shower avtivity but those chances appear quite slim at this time. In the tropics, we are tracking Cat 4 Igor, but that hurricane is forecast to recurve and miss the U.S. mainland. We are also tracking tropical storm Julia out near the African coast and at this time that system is forecast to recurve and miss the U.S. mainland but things can change in the upper level weather patterns so it is best to continue to monitor both of those storms. There is a tropical disturbance that is forecast to intensify in the western Caribbean over the next several days but computer forecast models take this storm eventually into the southern gulf keeping it away from our area. So far this season we have been very lucky and let's hope that luck holds out ! Rex

Igor out in far Atlantic-could Julia be next ?

Tropical Storm Igor continues to roam the far eastern Atlantic this morning and could very well become a strong hurricane over the next week or so but models indicate that it may curve away from the U.S. mainland and never be a problem but never take your eyes off a tropical cyclone ! A new disturbance appears to be getting quickly organized over the extreme southeast Caribbean this morning and it may very well be on it's way to becoming our next named storm of the season and it will be called Julia. Now this system bears watching as it may try to approach the gulf during the next week. We will continue to monitor both of these systems and keep you informed on the latest with them. For us here at home, our weather is being controlled by a strong high pressure ridge and that will keep us hot and dry today and Friday with highs in the mid 90s and lows in the lower 70s. Rex

Hot and dry !

Today through Friday looks rather hot and dry with highs mainly in the mid 90s and lows in the lower 70s. Rain chances are slim to none until Saturday when then rain chances will be set at only 20%. A slightly better chance for showers on Sunday is in the forecast at this time. Highs through the weekend will remain in the 90s and lows in the 70s. As far as the tropics or concerned, we are watching a large tropical wave that is forecast to become a powerful hurricane but it is well out in the far eastern Atlantic and may never pose a threat to the U.S. mainland, but we will continue to monitor it. It's name will be Igor. Some models hint at some type of tropical system developing in the western Caribbean some time next week- but that remains to be seen. Rex

Hermine in Texas-typical late summer weather for us.

Tropical Storm Hermine is producing heavy rain over Texas this morning but this storm will have little if any effect on our weather. We are going to see rather warm temps for the rest of the week with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Wednesday and Thursday look dry but we will have a chance for mainly afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms Friday into the weekend. At this time, none of the reliable computer models are indicating any kind of tropical threat to our area for the next week or so, but I am still keeping an eye on the the remnants of what was once Tropical Storm Gaston as it passes through the eastern Caribbean. There is still an outside chance of redevelopment if it can hold itself together enough to reach the western Caribbean later in the week. Rex

Happy Labor Day !

Our weather for today is going to be great with sunny skies and highs topping out in the lower 90s. Lows tonight will be in the lower 70s. As we work through the rest of the week, a more typical late summer weather pattern will again set up across the area with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s with an occassional afternoon or early evening shower or thunderstorm. Now on to the tropics. Tropical Storm Hermine has developed in the western gulf and should move into southern Texas by Tuesday. That system should stay well to our west and have little if any impact on our weather. Former Tropical Storm Gaston is still trying to hang on as it approaches the eastern Caribbean and some models do bring it up to a strong hurricane in about five days while other models don't redevelop the system at all. I think the system will develop again and we will have to keep a close eye on it because it may not recurve north like Earl did. Stay tuned and have a wonderful holiday! Rex

Hurricane Free Labor Day Weekend- For Pine Belt !

Much drier and less humid air is moving into the Pine Belt and we are in for a fantastic Labor Day weekend. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be around 90 and lows by Sunday morning could actually touch the upper 50s ! Labor day itself will be great as well with sunny skies and highs in the lower 90s and lows in the lower 60s. As far as the tropics are concerned, Earl and Fiona will soon be a memory will what was once Tropical Storm Gaston-which has been downgraded to a tropical depression, will continue to track westward towards the Caribbean and it may intensify again it if finds more favorable conditions. The storm will not have an impact on the gulf area this weekend, but if it stays on that general westward track, it may have to be watched closely as we head into next week. But for now, enjoy your Labor Day weekend as it looks great !! Rex

Earl will actually bring us NICE weather !

Powerful Hurricane Earl will actually force dry air into our neck of the woods over the next several days. We are on the west side of the storm and that is good news for us. Gaston, far out in the Atlantic, is forecast to become a hurricane as it moves slowly west for the next 10-14 days. Will it recurve and miss the gulf coast like the other storms have ? Not sure about that yet. Best thing to do is just keep an eye on Gaston. We have plenty of time to watch it. As for as the Labor Day weekend forecast, we are in great shape with highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s with little if any rain expected. Rex

Hurricane stay east-first fall cold front ?

Hurricane Earl will either hit or roar just east of the east coast later this week but the storm will never have an impact on our neck of the woods. A an unusual pattern change is expected to evolve over the next several days that will bring sunny skies starting on Thursday and lasting into the Labor Day weekend and we may actually see temps fall to the lower 60s by Sunday and Monday morning !!!! A taste of fall -wow ! Let's enjoy it while we can because we are now in the peak of the hurricane season and still have some time to go before we are out of the woods from any future tropical threats. Rex

Hurricane may threaten east coast.

Hurricane Earl is forecast to become a major hurricane over the next several days and computer models indicate that it may come dangerously close to the U.S. east coast. At this time the hurricane is not likely to pose a threat to our area. Of more concern is the system that is forming to the east of Earl. That system also may become a major hurricane in the upcoming week and one reliable model has the storm "Fiona " hitting south Florida and then hitting the northern coast of the gulf. Please remember models that predict that far in the future can be totally off base, but I would be prepared just in case !Rex

Rain chances will remain good through the rest of the weekend.

A low pressure area is currently producing periods of rain over our neck of the woods and the rain chances look good through Sunday. A Flash Flood Watch may be required by Sunday if the heavier rains persist. The tropics are still very active but at this time, there appears to be little if any threat coming to the gulf coastal region for at least the next week or so. Of course that could change if something forms closer to home. Earl is forecast to be a major hurricane by the middle of next week and may threaten the east coast. Rex

Active tropical scene-but we are safe for now !

We currently have Hurricane Danielle and Tropical Storm Earl out in the far eastern Atlantic. At this time it appears that both of these storms will curve north well away from the U.S. mainland. There are more tropical waves that are forecast to move off the African coast in the next week or so and computer models indicate that some of these will develop into named storms. As we get closer to Labor Day, we may see some increased activity in the gulf. We will continue to monitor the situation as we are now reaching the peak of the hurricane season. For right now our weather is being controlled by an area of high pressure giving us hot days and mild nights. Rex

Nice nights-tropics heating up fast !

High pressure currently over the deep south is providing us with hot and dry days but nice and less humid nights. Little if any rain is in the forecast for at least the next two days but by the weekend we will see a gradual increase in our afternoon rain chances. As far as the tropics are concerned, hurricane Danielle remains well out in the far Atlantic and will pose no threat to the U.S. mainland. Further to the south of Danielle is another tropical wave that appears to be organizing into what will eventually become "Earl" but it to is forecast to take a similar path as Danielle and should pose little threat to the states. Another disturbance is forecast to move off the African coast during the next few days and may take a more westerly track which could possibly pose a threat to the states in about a week and a half. There is also another area of disturbed weather located in the western gulf that we will monitor for some development over the next few days. Rex

Cool front in August !!

A rather rare cool front is moving through our area this morning and behind it we will see drier and less humid air, especially at night ! Highs will continue to be in the 90s but lows for the next several nights should make it into the upper 60s ! As far as rain chances are concerned, we have a 20 % chance today but little if any rain is expected Tuesday through Thursday. As far as the tropics are concerned, Tropical Storm Danielle remains far out in the eastern Atlantic and although it is forecast to become a hurricane, most reliable computer models indicate that the storm will not have any effect on the gulf coast. More tropical waves are forecast to move off the African coast over the next week or so and some of those will likely develop into named storms. We will monitor them for any signs of coming into the gulf. There is the possibility that a "home grown" storm could form in the gulf on an old frontal system later this week. If indeed that does happen, those storms aren't usually very strong but can be huge rain makers. We will monitor that situation as well. In the mean time, enjoy the next several nights as they will tend to be cooler and much less humid. Rex

Back to normal for the weekend-maybe !

For the weekend we should see chances for mainly afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms with highs in the 90s and lows in 70s. A "cool" front is forecast to possibly make it all the way down to the coast early next week. If indeed this does occur, don't looke for any cooler weather-just less chances for rain. In fact, temps next week or forecast to reach the mid 90s for highs and stay in the 70s for overnight lows. There is some hint at some type of tropical development in the Gulf sometime next week- but we will just have to wait and see what happens with that. There is a good chance that Danielle will form in far out in the open Atlantic over the next few days but all reliable forecast models keep the storm away from the United States. I still fully expect to see a marked increase in tropical cyclone formation over the next few weeks, but we will tackle that issue starting next week. Have a great weekend. Rex

Rather impressive rain amounts-in some locations this morning.

Some of our Alfa Insurance Skycams collected some nice rain this morning. Petro Nissan out in west Hattiesburg had 1.17 as of noon but the big winner up to this point is the JCJC location in Ellisville coming in with 1.97 and still raining there lightly. Forrest General Hospital has collected .58 BUT Grubbs Motors in Columbia comes in with only 00.01 ! That is typical of a decaying tropical system. It dumped an estimated 10 plus inches in soutwest MS yesterday ! Some models are trying to bring yet ANOTHER tropical system to the central gulf coast late next week !!! As I am fond of saying-Stay Tuned ! Rex

Former TD # 5 still producing rain !

Former TD # 5 continues to produce rain in the Pine Belt and it's remants may do so for the next day or so. The tropics are on verge of exploding from all of the evidence that I am seeing. I truly think the forecast for an above season is about to be realized. Stay tuned !!!

Lot's of humidity and moisture !

The remains of former TD # 5 if forecast to move inland across southeast Louisiana today and that should enhance our shower activity for the next few days. Some isolated areas could see some very heavy downpours but at this time flash flooding is not expected to be an issue but we will continue to monitor the situation. As far as the extended forecast is concerned, more of the same is pretty much on the plate as we will continue to see hot and humid days with a chance for mainly afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms. Some of the models hint that a cold front could make it all the way down to the coast early next week, but, quite frankly, that rarely happens this time of year in the deep south-but we can hope ! Today is the 41st anniversary of Hurricane Camille-the very reason I am in this business today. I was 8 years old and living in Columbia over in Marion county when the storm came through. We had 120 mph sustained winds and gusts estimated to be at 140 mph ! It made a huge impression on me and I have been hooked on weather ever since ! Rex

Former TD # 5 trying to make redevelop over northern gulf !

Former tropical depression number 5 is trying to reform south of the Florida Panhandle this morning. Most models track the system westward into Louisiana over the next few days and it may reach minimal tropical storm strength. No matter what happens with it-it appears that the system will bring several days of possible heavy rain to our area beginning on Tuesday and possibly lasting into Thursday. We will keep you updated ! Rex

Should we write the obit for TD # 5 ?

What you are about to read may seem totally off the wall but the GFS weather model takes the remains of former TD # 5 and moves it into Alabama over the weekend-then takes it back to around Mobile by Sunday or Monday and redevelopes it into a much stronger tropical cyclone next week moving it back into Mississippi !!!! Strange things can happen in the weather but if this does occur I will be totally shocked !! Should be very interesting to watch in the least. For today into Friday we should see periods of heavy rain from former TD # 5 as it works it's way inland. The tropics are forecast to become VERY active around August 20th ! Stay tuned !!! Rex

Update on TD # 5

The latest information from the National Hurricane Center indicates that the depression has not changed much in strength since this morning. The system may reach minimal tropical storm status before making landfall early Thursday morning southeast of New Orleans. The system is then expected to curve more northward and the latest track indicates that it will go directly over the Pine Belt but be a very slow moving system which could create a very heavy rainfall event for this area. We will continue to monitor the system closely and will continue to update our blogs-tweets and website throughout the event. I will also issue my usual forecast on the air at noon today. Rex

Windy-rainy weather expected !

As of this writing, tropical depression number 5 is located in the southeast gulf and is moving northwest. The system is forecast to become a tropical storm before making landfall on the Mississippi coast early Friday morning. What this means for our area is increasing winds and rain for Thursday on into Friday. At this point winds are forecast to be in the 20-30 mph range on Thursday and increasing Thursday night and by Friday we may have 45 mph winds along with periods of heavy rain. The storm is not expected to reach hurricane strength at this time but will have to be monitored closely. We will continue to update our blog throughout the day. Rex

Not quite as hot for the next few days !

We have fairly good chances for mainly afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms for the next few days that will keep our temps from soaring into the triple digits. Highs today through the weekend will range from the lower to mid 90s and lows mainly in the mid 70s. The tropics are becoming quite active but nothing will threaten our area in the forseeable future. Have a great weekend ! Rex

Rain chances increasing !

Although very hot weather will continue for the rest of the week our shower and thunderstorm chances are increasing with the National Weather Service predicting a 60% chance for today and Friday and a 50% chance on Saturday and 40% on Sunday. Although most of the showers and storms will occur in the afternoon and early evening, some may form overnight as they did in parts of the viewing area this morning. Highs will continue to be in the 90s each day with lows in the 70s but with the added chances for rain hopefully the triple digits highs are behind us for awhile. Rex

Heat records set in Pine Belt Monday

Hattiesburg set a new record high on Monday when the mercury soared to 103 degrees breaking the old record for the date of 98 set back in 1998. The record high for today is 99 set back in 1999 and the forecast calls for 101 so another record may be set today. There will eventually be some relief from the heat as we get into Thursday on into Saturday as the temps or forecasted to reach only the mid 90s. Lows will continue to be in the 70s each night. Tropical Storm Colin is out in the open Atlantic and models indicate that it should not be a threat to the gulf at this time. Rex

Heat records may be broken today-Colin about to be born ?

The record high for today in Hattiesburg is 98 degrees set back in 1998. The National Weather Service is forecasting 101 for today, so, we may see a new record high for this date set ! The heat will linger into tomorrow when 100 is forecast. We will gradually see our highs back down to the mid 90s by the end of the week with increased chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Lows will continue to be in the 70s each night. Now on to the tropics. A strong tropical wave in the central Atlantic is continuing to become better organized and a tropical depression is likely to form at anytime. Models indicate the system will eventually become a named storm and the name will be "Colin". It is far too soon to predict where "Colin" may end up so stay tuned and we will keep you informed. Stay cool !!!! Rex

Dangerous Heat This Weekend !!!

A large and very hot high pressure system is building into the deep south and will create dangerously high temps for the weekend ! Highs are forecast to reach the low 100's and lows in the upper 70s. Rain chances are slim and any showers that do form will only provide a little relief from the heat. Please remember to check on folks that may not have ways to stay cooler and remember to drink plenty of fluids and avoid the outdoors especially during the afternoon hours. The tropics are still slowly trying to come alive and we will continue to monitor a few tropical waves in the Atlantic and the Caribbean for any signs of intensification. Have a great weekend and stay cool !! Rex

Rumors of heat-hurricanes and the upcoming winter!!!

The heat is on here in the Pine Belt and we could see triple digits by the Saturday ! Little chance for rain is in the forecast for the next few days. We will run the risk of one or two afternoon showers and storms but they will be few and far between. Two tropical waves bear watching in the Caribbean and the far Atlantic. One of these may develop into a named storm in about five days. Also, next week I will be releasing my winter forecast for 2010-2011. Rex

Hot weather to continue !!!

Hot weather is here and will be here for awhile !!! Expect highs on Thursday to reach the mid 90s and upper 90s and even possibly triple digit numbers Friday on into early next week. There will be a small chance for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm each day. Lows will also come up as well and at times will only fall to the upper 70s at night !! The tropics remain very quiet for the time being, but I am still predicting a major upswing in actvity over the next two weeks. Rex

Hot weather to continue !!

Hot weather will rule our neck of the woods for the remainder of the week. By Thursday expect highs to reach the upper 90s and lows in the 70s. These temps are likely into at least Saturday. We will have a slight chance for afternoon showers and storms Thursday into the weekend but Wednesday looks dry. The tropics will finally become active next week as dry air that is currently inhibiting development fades and is replaced with more moist air. Stay tuned !! Rex

Tweeting again!!!

For those of you that followed my tweets- there was a problem and I had to change accounts. I can now be found on Gmail. My user name is Rexwdam.

More showers expected.

Much needed showers and possible thunderstorms will develop in our area today and again on Tuesday. Some of the afternoon downpours could be heavy. As we work our way into the middle and latter parts of the work week we will note a decrease in our rain chances but our temps will be warming up. Highs today through the entire week will be in the 90s and lows in the muggy mid 70 degree range. The tropics have quieted down for a few days but I expect that over the next few weeks we will see a marked increase in activity. Rex

Boonie update.

Little has changed in the forecast track for Bonnie and the storm is still forecast to move ashore in southeast Louisiana sometimes Sunday. It may actually weaken to depression status or tropical wave status before coming ashore. There is a slight chance it may intensify over the open gulf if a large area of low pressure moves away from it. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you posted. At this time it appears that we may see some much needed rain from the system. We will keep you posted on WDAM-TV and wdam.com. Have a great weekend!!! Rex

The latest of "Bonie"

As of this 7:00 AM post, Tropical Storm Bonnie remains a very weak and small tropical cyclone. The forecast still calls for the storm to move into the Gulf of Mexico by early Saturday and continue on a track that will take it into south central Louisiana sometimes on Sunday. At this time the storm is not forecast to reach hurricane strength but there is still a chance that could happen. We will hopefully get some much needed rain from the system. We will continue to keep you updated on WDAM-TV and wdam.com. Rex

Tropical Depression # 3 Forms !!!

The National Hurricane Center is now issuing advisories on T.D. # 3 that has formed in the lower Bahamas. Computer forecasts indicate the system will become Tropical Storm "Bonnie" later today or by no later than Friday. The storm is forecast to move in a west northwest direction that will evenutally bring it into the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. As far as strength, it appears at this time the system will not become a hurricane unless and it can lose the influence of a large upper level low to it's west. If that occurs, then the storm will gain strength and possibly attain hurricane status. All interests in our area should pay close attention to all statements being issued by the National Hurricane Center over the next several days. There is also another depression that may be forming in the southwestern gulf but should have no impact on our weather as it is forecast to move into Mexico. Stay tuned. Rex

Urgent!!! New information in !!!

The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing advisories on either a tropical depression or Tropical Storm "Bonnie" at 10:00 AM local time. The disturbance in the Bahamas has now formed a closed circulation. We should have much better information on what is going on as soon as the hurricane hunters get down there but it looks like the NHC will issue tropical storm watches or warnings for the Bahamas and southern Florida at that time. Stay tuned for sure !!! Rex

The tropics work in mysterious ways !!!

When I went on air this morning at 5:30 AM the tropical disturbance that we have been tracking in the southeastern Bahamas was only given a 40% chance of developing. When the new information from the National Hurricane Center arrived at 7:00 AM everything had totally changed !! Now the NHC is giving the system a 70% chance of developing into a depression or storm at anytime during the next 48 hours. An aircraft will investigate the system this afternoon to determine what is going on down there. Many of the reliable computer models take the system into the northern gulf over the next five days. Please keep in mind the tropical storm intensity forecasts aren't very good even during these days of great technological tools that are used. My advice is to stay tuned !!!! Rex

Bonnie ????

The National Hurricane Center gives a strong tropical disturbance near the Dominican Republic a 70% chance that it will develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm during the next 48 hours. All reliable models indicate the system will move west northwest towards the Gulf of Mexico over the next five days. It is much to early to predict what exactly will be the future course or strength of the expected storm but I sincerely advise that folks in our area keep posted on the latest information concerning this developing situation. Rex

Strong tropical disturbance bears watching !

A very strong tropical disturbance near Puerto Rico bears watching over the next few days as it moves toward the west northwest towards the lower Bahamas. Many of the reliable models bring the system into the Gulf by the weekend. The National Hurricane Center gives the system a medium chance "40%" of developing into a tropical cyclone. We will contiune to monitor the disturbance for any signs of organization. Rex

Hot and humid weather to continue-tropics getting more active.

Although we will run a chance for chance for mainly afternoon and early evening showers and storms each day this week- the main concern will be temps. Highs starting the week off today will top out in the lower 90s. Mid 90s on Tuesday and Wednesday and generally upper 90s for the latter part of the week on into the weekend. Lows will remain in the 70s all week. As far as the tropics are concerned. We are watching two systems-one is in the central Caribbean and the other near the U.S. Virgin islands. Both bear watching but any development is expected to be slow to occur. Please keep in mind that we are now entering the most active part of the hurricane season and we must keep a constant eye on the tropics. I will let you know if any system shows good promise of developing. Rex

Humid weather to persist-but with better shower chances !

That very strong ridge of high pressure that kept us very hot and mainly dry for the past few days is slowly weakening and will allow for much better shower and thunderstorm chances for us beginning Friday and lasting into the weekend. Highs will generally stay in the lower 90s and lows in the mid 70s through that time period. Chance for rain is 60% for both Friday and Saturday and 50% on Sunday. The showers will mainly form in the afternoon and early evening although a few earlier in the day showers can't be ruled out. The tropics are now beginning to heat up !!!!!! A tropical wave currently in the far eastern Atlantic shows some promise of becoming better organized over the next few days and will be monitored for development. I truly think this is the beginning of what will become a very active season. STAT TUNED !!! Rex

Hot-humid and boring-not a bad thing !!!

We are in a rather non-dramatic weather pattern right now !! High pressure is keeping the area on the hot and humid side and keeping things calm in the Gulf, which is great news. We will see a gradual increase in our afternoon shower and thunderstorm chances as we work into the weekend and that may lead to some slightly less higher max temps in the afternoons but it will still remain hot and humid never the less. I still firmly think that we will soon see a major upturn in the tropics !! Stay tuned !!! Rex

High pressure-good times !!

We have a very strong and rather large area of high pressure over the Gulf and that is keeping things very quiet weather wise. That is great news for us for two reasons. Number one-we don't have to worry about any tropical storm threats for the NEAR future and number two-the calmer weather allows for containment efforts to continue on the Deepwater Horizon spill. High pressure is surely being our friend right now! Let's hope that continues for some time to come !! Not much more to share but the fact is that the hot temps will continue into the forecastable future. We may see upper 90s on Wednesday and Thursday. By the weekend, shower chances will increase a tad and we my top out in the mid 90s. Lows each night will remain in the mid 70s. Rex

Hot and humid!!!

High pressure is firmly in control of our weather and that means hot, humid and dry conditions at least for today and Tuesday and most likely even into Wednesday. Highs today will top out around 96 and lows for the entire week will mainly be in the 70s. Upper 90s are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. That same area of high pressure is also keeping the Gulf free from tropical weather and that's great news as they try to containe the oil spill. I fully expect the tropics to begin heating up in the next few weeks.

Tropics quiet...for now !

Hot and humid weather will prevail over the area for today into the weekend. Highs today and Saturday are expected to reach the mid 90s. We could see an isolated shower overnight with lows in the 70s. A few mainly afternoon showers and storms on Saturday but a good chance for showers and storms on Sunday. The tropics are quiet for now but a parade of tropical waves continue marching across the Atlantic and are becoming more frequent coming off the African coast. I sincerly think that we will see a huge increase in tropical activity over the next few weeks. Get ready for a long season !!! Have a great weekend !! Rex

Heat the problem not T.D. Two !

Hot and mainly dry weather is in the forcast for today and Friday. Only a slight chance for a shower on Saturday. Highs today through Saturday will top out in the mid 90s and lows in the 70s. A better chance for showers on Sunday with highs back to around 90. Then mid 90s return for early next week. Tropical Depression Number Two has formed in the extreme western Gulf but poses only a slight problem for lower Texas and upper Mexico. It could strengthen to tropical storm levels near the coast before moving inland and if that does occur it would be named "Bonnie". In any event it poses no threat to Mississippi. Rex

Hotter and drier about to arrive !!!

Much drier air will begin to filter into our area tonight. By Thursday we can look for mostly sunny skies and hot temps with highs in the mid 90s with no rain expected. The same holds true for Friday as well. By the weekend we will see a little more moisture move back into the picture with highs in the lower 90s and lows in the 70s. A quick peak at the tropics shows only one real area of interest and that is in the southern Gulf of Mexico. This tropical wave has a chance to strengthen but the same weather feature that will bring us the hot and dry weather pattern will also likely keep any tropical threats well to our west at least for the time being. Rex

Rain today and Wednesday-hotter and drier air coming !

Although rain chances are very high today-90-100% and 60% on Wednesday, high pressure is forecast to build in from the east and that will heat us up and dry us out for Thursday into at least the Friday time frame. Actually hot weather is forecast for Saturday as well with only a slight chance for an afternoon shower. High by the end of the week should be in the mid 90s with lows remaining in the 70s. As far as the tropics are concerned, we are still watching a fairly active tropical wave over the northwestern Caribbean Sea this morning. Computer forecast models indicate some development of the system. The same area of high pressure that is forecast to bring hotter and drier weather to the area will also likely push any developing tropical systems to our west-more towards Texas. We will just have to monitor the situation as things can and do often change rapidly in our forecasts. Taking a look at satellite pictures over Africa this morning I can see several tropical waves heading for the Atlantic. I think as we get deeper into the season, we will see more and more of these waves roll off Africas coast and gr0w into some pretty powerful hurricanes ! The season has been forecast to be exceptionally active and I certainly beleive that it will be. Stay tuned ! Rex

Is Tropical Storm Bonnie about to make landfall?

Early Monday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said the low that was bringing rain to south Louisiana and Mississippi had a "near 0% probability" of becoming a tropical cyclone. However, by Monday evening ( just hours later), the NHC made an about-face, stating that the same low, now has a 60% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone.

The low is currently 50 mile SSE of Morgan City Louisiana. According to the NHC, radar and satellite data indicate sustained winds near tropical-storm force strength around Terrebonne Bay.

We should hear more from the NHC shortly, but with this new data, we may see the low that we're currently getting rain from actually be upgraded to a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm.

Either which way, the Pine Belt is still pretty far from the center of this storm, so I do not anticipate a change in the classification of this weather system to have a huge impact on us. More importantly, it just goes to show you how difficult predicting the intensity of these weather events can be.

What we're watching in the Gulf...

Today (Monday) the Pine Belt has been getting a good drenching thanks to a non-tropical low centered just south of Louisiana, making it's way inland. While this low will bring "tropical like showers"to the Pine Belt, the NHC says there's a "near 0%" probability that this will become a tropical cyclone. However, we can count on off-and-on rain from this system now through Tuesday.

The other area of concern is near the Yucatan Peninsula. A tropical wave dubbed Invest 96 is being tracked by the NHC. There's a 30% chance this wave will become a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. The current models predict Invest 96 will head towards the Texas coast, a track that would put the storm closer to the oil spill site then Alex was. However, it's still very early to put much stock into that prediction, so stay tuned.

The tropics are angry !

As of this writing several models indicate that some type of low pressure will develop in the northern gulf over the weekend-but they are all over the place with strength and the direction. We will just have to wait and see what happens-so keep an eye on the weather over the weekend. Yet another tropical storm-hurricane is forecast to move into the southern gulf late next week-pretty much along the same path as Alex-but models can be totally misleading that far out-again- just stay up with the weather next week as well. This hurricane season has been forecasted to be very active and so far it seems to be on track. Please keep in mind computer model forecasts are just that-forecasts that could easily be correct or incorrect. Best advice is this- we are now heading into the heart of the hurricane season with the most active months being August and September-just hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Have a great holiday weekend ! Rex

More tropical troubles ?

Hurricane Alex continues to move westward in Mexico and continues to weaken but will likely bring life threatning mud slides to that area. So, what is next in the tropics ? Some models insist on a weak low pressure area developing in the northern gulf over the next few days. There is much disagreement among the reliable weather models on this feature. The best thing to do is just take a wait and see attitude towrds it. I will keep you posted on the blog to let you know what is happening or possibly about to happen in tropics now and through the entire season. Rex

Hurricane Alex Grows Stronger !

Hurricane Alex continues to strengthen this moring in the western Gulf of Mexico. A the present Alex is a category 1 hurricane but the central pressure is falling and the hurricane is forecast to continue to gain strength until landfall which is expected late tonight or early Thursday morning in extreme NE Mexico or SE Texas. It is not out of the question that the hurricane may reach category 3 status prior to landfall which would make it a major hurricane. We are very fortunate the the hurricane is not approaching us over the oil spill area. Rex

Alex nears hurricane strength !

Tropical storm Alex has 70 mph sustained winds this morning-that is 4 mph less than what it needs to become a hurricane and that is expected later this morning or by the early afternoon. It still appears that the storm will come ashore late this week in northern Mexico or southern Texas. The circualtion with the storm is rather large and as it gets stronger seas of around 9 feet are likely to move into the oil spill clean up area and that could shut that down for a day or two. The good news for us is that we will most likely not get a direct hit from Alex. We may very well see an increase in our rain chances from the storm as well as front to the north of us and the normal seabreeze front that comes off the gulf every summer. So for today into the next several days expect better chances of rain. By the time we reach the holiday weekend we will start to see our rain chances decreasing. Please keep in mind that Alex is just the first of many storms that may affect the gulf coastal region this season as it is forecast to really be above normal. We feel we have lucked out with this particular storm and lets keep our fingers and toes crossed that our luck holds out the entire season. I will keep you posted!!!! Rex

Latest on Alex

Tropical Storm Alex continues to gain strength over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this morning. The forecast track of the storm still takes it inland on the upper Mexican coast or lower Texas coast sometime later this week. At this time it appears the track of the storm will not have much effect on our weather here in the Pine Belt other than maybe enhanced showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours when maximum heating occurs and with the possible additional moisture in the atmosphere around the circulation of the storm. If there is a more northward turn of Alex later in the week then we may see a marked increase in clouds and showers and storms. At this time it appears the storm will stay well to our west. A few models want to try and take Alex on a more northerly track. We will continue to track the system and update this post blog often. Rex

Birth of a tropical cyclone!!!!!

The National Hurricane Center has just released a statement indicating that the strong tropical wave in the western Caribbean may now be forming into a tropical depression. A hurricane hunter plane has been dispatched to the area to find out for sure. If it does develop we will know it as Alex. Where will it eventually end up ? It is much too early to know but it certainly appears that it will move into the Gulf over the weekend. Stay tuned ! Rex

Tropical cyclone formation may occur in 48 hours.

Although the tropical disturbance in the western Caribbean became a little more organized overnight- there has been little change as of the 7:00 AM update from the National Hurricane Center. Conditions still appear favorable for development of the system during the next 48 hours as it moves towards the northwest Caribbean. The system bears very close watching as it will be moving in to more favorable environmental conditions. Stay tuned. Rex

Still watching the tropics closely!

A strong tropical wave continues westward through the west central Caribbean Sea this morning and could be showing some signs of intensification. The National Hurricane Center now gives it a moderate chance of developing as it moves into more favorable environmental conditions over the western Carribean over the next 48 hours. Many computer forecast models are now picking up on the feature. One model even bring it to the southeast coast of Louisiana on Monday as a strong tropical storm. It is way to early to specualate on where the storm will go or how strong it will be before an actual low pressure center develops with the wave. After this happens, if it does happen, then we will get a much better handle on the future track and intensity of it. I will continue to monitor the system and gives further updates as i get them. Rex

Higher rain chances today- still watching strong tropical wave!

We have a better chance for seeing more showers and thunderstorms in the area later this morning and into the afternoon today as a disturbance moves through. Weather Service has placed the chances at 70%. Highs today should only reach the lower 90s due to the expected cloud cover and rain. As the sun sets and we loose our afternoon heating we expect to clear overnight with lows in the lower to mid 70s. Now on to the tropics. We are still watching a strong tropical wave in the central Caribbean Sea as is slowly moves west northwest. The National Hurricane Center gives it a 40% chance of developing into an organized tropical system over the next few days. We will continue to monitor the system and bring you updates as often as needed. Rex

Summer arrives-tropical problems next ?

Summer officially began at 6:23 this morning and all indications are that we are in for a very hot one. N0w on to the next issue. A tropical wave currently in the central Caribbean is slowly moving west northwest and several reliable computer models are hinting at the possibility of development of the system by the end of the week or weekend-and some models indicate that it will be in the southern Gulf of Mexico. It is way to early to know what will happen with this weather system, but it certainly bears watching. Stay tuned !!!! Rex

Hot and humid weekend- still watching a tropical wave.

Hot and humid weather will prevail for the entire weekend with a chance for a mainly afternoon and early evening shower or thunderstorm. Any showers or storms that do develop will quickly die off after sunset leaving us with a partly cloudy and humid night with lows in the 70s. As for as the tropics are concerned, we are still watching a tropical wave that is now entering the eastern Caribbean Sea. Conditions are not favorable for development at this time but we will continue to track it. As far as the Gulf of Mexico- it remains free of any tropical activity and none is expected over the weekend...and speaking of weekends, have a great one !!! Rex

Just a matter of time !

Although the tropical wave in the mid Atlantic failed to reach tropical depression-storm status-it is good indication that the season is likely to be a very active one. It is now just a matter of time before we start seeing development in the tropics. Practically all forecasts calls for a very active season. My advice is to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst! As of this morning, no reliable computer models are forecasting any development in the next seven days-but they also didn't forecast the wave that almost became "Alex" either. So stay tuned ! I sincerely believe that once the season gets started- it will be probably one right after the other- sort of like 2005- the year of Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Rex

Tropical Storm "ALEX" ???

A very strong tropical wave is located halfway between the African coast and South America. Although this area is not a favored place for tropical development this early in the season, this year is a little differant. The sea surface temps are just right and the system is being given a high chance of developing into a tropcial cyclone by the National Hurricane Center during the next few days. The season, which began June 1st appears to be starting to pick up steam now. We will keep you posted. Rex

Hot and dry weekend-tropics remain quiet-for now.

Expect mainly dry and hot weather for the area for the weekend. Temps are forecast to reach the mid to upper 90s and lows will be in the mid 70s and very little, if any, rainfall expected. As far as the tropics are concerned-we are watching a few tropical waves cross the Atlantic and the Caribbean but nothing in the way of development is expected at this time. Have a great weekend. Rex

Hot and humid conditions will continue.

Hot and humid weather will be the norm for at least the next seven days here in the Pine Belt. Highs each day will be in the 90s and lows mainly in the 70s especially beginning Tuesday night as we may see upper 60s tonight as some slightly drier air filters in. The tropics remain quiet for now but it is now just a matter of time before we start seeing development. Stay tuned. Rex

Hurricane Season Begins !

Today marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Many respected forecasting agencies-both private and public-or forecasting a very active season. My problem with forecasting active or inactive seasons is that it only takes ONE storm that affects you and your loved ones to make it a BAD season. Just be prepared and hope for the best. The first billion dollar hurricane was "Betsy" in 1965 that struck southern Florida then SE Louisiana and there were only 7 storms total that year. Same thing occured in 1992 when "Andrew" came along and until "Katrina" was the costliest hurricane in U.S. history.Now would be an excellent time to stock up on bottled water, canned foods, batteries and other things that you may need in case we are hit. Don't panic and never listen to rumors when one is approaching the Gulf. We will keep you informed on the very latest information on any storm that may approach our area. Rex

NOAA Predicts Major Hurricane Season !

NOAA came out this m0rning with their official forecast for the 2010 hurricane season and if it is to be believed, it may go down in the record books. Google National Hurricane Center and go to their website. It is at the very top. Interesting reading to say the least ! Rex

Hotter,drier weather pattern developing.

A large and strong area of high pressure is forecast to build into the deep south starting this weekend. This will put a stop to those afternoon showers and storms through at least Tuesday of next week. Temps will be in the 90s ! A taste of summer is at hand. Rex

Severe Thunderstorm Threat This Afternoon !

Severe thunderstorms are possible in the entire viewing area this afternoon into the early evening hours. Stay tuned to WDAM -TV and wdam.com for latest watches or warnings. Rex

Summer time weather pattern developing.

A summer time weather pattern is beginning to make itself known here in the Pine Belt. Over the next few weeks we will pretty much be seeing temps in the 90 degree range for highs and around 70 for the morning lows with a chance for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm each day. Hurricane season begins June 1st. We will be monitoring the tropics on a daily and nightly basis. Rex

"Official" Hurricane Season Forecast Next Week !

The National Hurricane Center is set to release their "official" forecast for the 2010 hurricane season on Thursday, May 20th. I simply must share with you what the director of the National Hurricane Center told meteorologist Chuck George, who happens to be with our sister station KOLD in Tucson, in a recent interview concerning the upcoming season. The following is a direct quote by Bill Read, Director of the National Hurricane during the interview. "A week from now on May 20th we are going to issue the NOAA forecast with specific numbers and it might be a suprise to people to know that I"m not even privy to that until right before it's released because it's used in futures and trading and there are laws on that." WHAT ???? How is it possible that the Director of the National Hurricane Center is NOT PRIVY to that information beforehand!!!!! That makes no sense to me whatsoever ! Anyway, I thought i would share that with you and if you have any thoughts on the subject feel free to email at rexthompson@wdam.com.

Muggy weather-hurricane season update.

The muggies have returned to our area and are likely to be around for quite awhile. Since we are approaching mid May we will soon be going into the more typical summer time gulf coastal weather pattern of muggy, hot weather with a chance for mainly afternoon and early evening thunderstorms. Now, for an update on the upcoming hurricane season. It is looking more and more likely that we are in for a very active season. Two reasons that the season could be a humdinger are number one- the rapid warming of the Gulf of Mexico and number two the collaspsing El Nino. Stay tuned ! Rex

I'm not ruling out "popcorn" showers this week

A strong low pressure system to our north will bring rain and storms to the Mid-Mississippi Valley for much of the week but high pressure will keep us on the hot side and mostly dry. But notice I'm using the words "mostly dry". I'm not going to rule out the possibility of our high pressure eroding and popcorn showers popping up in the late afternoons this week.

21 days and counting.

Hurricane season officially begins June 1st. EVERYTHING that i am seeing indicates a very active year. Some experts believe that we may see 18-20 storms form during the six month long season. As I always point out to folks. It is not how many storms that develop in a given season-it's the one that affects you and family ! Some of the worst hurricanes on record came during very active seasons. Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005-but other severe, record setting hurricanes formed in very slow seasons. Betsy in 1965-which was the first billion dollar hurricane incidently-and Andrew in 1992-which until Katrina came along had been the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. My point is this. Just be prepared just in case. Go ahead now and stock up on batteries, bottled water and canned goods. For now the weather is calm. We will monitor the tropics and keep you informed in the months ahead. Rex

This weekend should be nothing like the past two.

Update Saturday 7:00am- Our frontal boundary has been slow to push through overnight. The possibility of rain/storms in the Pine Belt will exist until about 11:00am...ending from northwest to southeast. Our day should be breezy but nice once the boundary pushes through.

Friday 3:55pm (WDAM) -There's still a chance of rain overnight into Saturday morning. Due to some unstable air to the north of the Pine Belt, I'm looking for the better shot at storms to take place north of I-20. Large hail looks to be possible there. Fortunately for us, the air mass is much more stable down south, so our weather should be less eventful. In fact, many of us may stay dry. The window for the potential rain in the Pine Belt is 1:00am -8:00am Saturday.

Behind it some cooler air should lower our temps by about 10 degrees, making way for a great weather weekend. Happy Mother's Day!

-Nick

Hot and dry.

For the next several days high pressure will control our weather resulting in sunny hot days and clear mild nights. Expect highs today through Friday to range from 90-92. A weak front is forecast to move through the area Friday night which may produce a few showers but nothing severe is anticipated at this time. Air behind the front should bring a temporary halt to the hot weather with highs over the weekend expected to be in the low to mid 80s and lows in the 50s and 60s. Temps are forecast to gradually warm back up early next week. Rex

Taste of summer !

We will get our first taste of summer beginng on Tuesday as the forecasted highs are around 90! Low 90's are forecast for Wednesday ! Just a sign of things to come! Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and all indications are is that it will be a very active season ! Stay tuned ! Rex

Heaviest rains may hold off until Saturday night into Sunday !

We have a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms today and tonight-but the chances for severe weather in our area are slim. We think the heaviest rains will occur Saturay night-Sunday and Sunday night. My best guess is that we won't see much heavy rain here until Sunday and Sunday night possibly lasting into early next week. We have a very slow moving front to our west and it is going to take it's sweet time getting through here. Drier weather is forecasted by Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Have a great weekend ! Rex

Rain still on track for this weekend... Severe threat lowered

For Friday and Saturday it appears that the greatest risk for severe weather will focus to the northwest of the Pine Belt. Nevertheless, the Pine Belt still has a fairly wet weekend ahead. Currently, our in house models are projecting between 1-2.5 inches by noon Sunday. Some isolated areas stand to see even more. Plus more rain is possible into the early work week

Even though most of the unstable air looks like it will set up between the Delta and Jackson, we can not forget that this is April/May and the possibility for some strong convection still exist for the Pine Belt. This means that strong winds, heavy rain and small hail are all still on the table for South Mississippi. Looking at the latest guidance, it appears that some heavy rain/t-storms will pass through the Pine Belt Friday afternoon/evening. We will likely see the rain let up overnight into early Saturday morning. However, rain may pick up in intensity Saturday afternoon and Sunday as well.


This is still some what of a fluid situation, so be sure to monitor the weather with us. If you are out around town try wdamtogo.com which has an excellent mobile radar. Otherwise, keep up with us online at wdam.com

Possible flooding and severe weather a concern starting Friday

Heavy rain and all modes of severe weather will be possible starting Friday, and with periods of rain continuing into early next week, flooding may be a major issue as well.

Large amounts of deep moisture will start streaming through Mississippi Thursday night and a series of upper level disturbances may trigger multiple rain/storm events starting Friday. Friday and Saturday, models predict that the atmosphere will be unstable. As a result, convective storms that meet a severe threshold are possible.

This means that tornadoes, strong winds, large hail, heavy rain, and frequent lightning are on the table.

Starting Sunday an approaching boundary may stall over south Mississippi. If this happens, we may see rain Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday as well.

Rain, Rain, Rain Till Daddy Takes The T-Bird Away !!

Enjoy the next few days as we are about to enter a period of wet weather here in the Pine Belt. The fun should get underway on Friday and last well into the weekend and possibly early next week ! Not to go into all of the rather complicated meteorological details but the upcoming weather pattern features a very soggy setup! Heavy rain appears to be the main concern at this time although some severe weather may come into play but i feel that any real severe weather will remain to our north. We will continue to monitor the situiation and keep you posted. If you don't currently own an umbrella, now would be a great time to purchase one ! Have a great day ! Rex

Prolonged rain/storms as we roll into May

6:00pm Tuesday- An extended rain event with the possibility for some strong convection appears to be more and more likely later this week and into the weekend. This far out, it's difficult to be able to determine if Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama will see the most precipitation. Models project that a large amount of precipitable water will be streaming our direction. When you combine that with a series of disturbances forecast to move through Mississippi...we become likely not only to get several inches of rain, but we'll also have to keep our guard up for more severe weather.

All modes of severe weather are still on the table. Including, large hail and tornadoes. However, this weekend does not appear to be as much of a "clear cut" tornado set up as last weekend.

Long story short, there will be a chance for strong thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, plus heavy rainfall may result in flash flooding throughout the weekend.

Cooler weather on the way-then more severe storms ?

A cold front will make it's way into the Pine Belt overnight bringing with it a slight chance for a shower- but nothing severe-after midnight. After the front passes we will enjoy some cooler weather for Tuesday and Wednesday-especially at night ! Lows on Wednesday and Thursday mornings will be in the 40s ! Enjoy the good weather while it last's as a weather system may bring some severe weather to our area by Friday into Saturday. Highs by the weekend will be back into the middle 80s. Rex

Storm surveys indicate tornadoes in Smith and Jasper Counties

The National Weather Service office in Jackson spent the remainder of the weekend surveying areas where radar indicated likely tornadoes. 

Preliminary findings show that early Saturday morning an EF-2 tornado originated in Jasper county before traveling 28 miles into Lauderdale county. Plus an EF-1 tornado passed over parts of Smith County. 

Meanwhile, other surveys indicate that the large tornado which passed through parts of  Yazoo city may have been a wide as 1.75 miles and cut a path 97 miles long.

These surveys are preliminary and more studies are being conducted.  You can read this report in full here.

A marathon of bad weather

Friday 3:00pm - Right now, zones just to the northwest of the Pine Belt are getting hit much harder then us. We have many reports of hail around the greater Jackson region, which is no surprise.

Meanwhile we need to continue to have our guard up as we roll through out the rest of Friday evening and especially throughout Saturday.

Through the rest of Friday, I'd expect scattered storms to track across parts of the Pine Belt. Some of these storms may be strong at times. Isolated heavy rain may be accompanied by strong winds and small hail. Furthermore, we are under a Tornado watch until 8:00pm Friday evening. With that said, Saturday still remains the day that brings me most concern.









On Saturday, our window for severe weather is from 4:00am until 6:00pm. The storm prediction center has placed the majority of the Pine Belt under a moderate risk for severe storms. This typically only happens to the Pine Belt once or twice a year. Storms on Saturday have the potential to be more dangerous then any weather system we have seen in a few years. Worst case scenarios include possible long-track tornadoes, flash flooding, and hail the size of golf balls.

Thanks for trusting the 7 on your side weather center in covering this event. Don't forget that we have many tools on our website to allow to track storms with us. I encourage you to try out our radar on your mobile phone at wdamtogo.com. Also keep up with Rex and myself on twitter.

twitter.com/wdamNickOrtego
and
twitter.com/WdamRex

Two rounds of severe possible !

Two rounds of severe weather is expected to impact our area beginning this afternoon. We have a chance for thunderstorms this afternoon and some of those could be severe. Tonight there could be a few lull in the activity but we still can't rule out the possibility of one or two severe storms overnight. Round two begins early Saturday morning and lasting into Saturday afternoon. During that time frame we will run the risk of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, heavy rain and strong winds. The entire system should exit our area by early Saturday evening taking the severe weather threat out of the area with Sunday looking very nice. Please stay tuned to WDAM-TV as well as wdam.com, Twitter and Facebook. Rex

Severe weather... What and When?

The chance for severe weather in the Pine Belt remains on track as we roll into the weekend.

What to expect?: Any and all types of severe weather will be possible. The worst case scenario is...

• Strong long-track tornadoes
• Destructive straight-line winds (80+ mph)
  
• Flash Flooding
• Large Hail

I want to point out... the above is not specific to the Pine Belt forecast. In fact, most of Mississippi needs to be aware of these threats. We are still many hours from the "main event" so these threats may be refined to focus on a more precise area in the state.

When to expect it?:

• Friday between 2:00pm-10:00pm storms should be developing, mostly to our west. The threat for severe weather is greater west of I-55 and north of I-20. However, it remains possible that some strong isolated storms could sneak into the Pine Belt Friday afternoon and evening.
  

• Saturday beholds our greatest chance for severe weather. This is when we will really need to watch closely for the "worst case scenario" as described above. Rain/Storms will be posible from the early morning through the evening hours. Although, the best chance for severe weather appears to be between 3:00am and 1:00pm Saturday.