Friday, April 30, 2010

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

Thursday, April 29, 2010

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

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

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.

Monday, April 26, 2010

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

Sunday, April 25, 2010

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.

Friday, April 23, 2010

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

Thursday, April 22, 2010

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.

Violet Spring Storm Headed Our Way !

All weather models are now agreeing on a severe weather event to take place in Mississippi possibly starting Friday afternoon and lasting into Saturday afternoon. The main threat for our viewing area appears to be from early Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon. The greatest threat to our area will be the possibility of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hail and possible damaging tornadoes. Please stay tuned to WDAM-TV and wdam.com for the latest on this still developing weather event ! Rex

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Very potent storm expected by the weekend !

Weather models are converging on a very potent storm to impact the area beginning late Friday and lasting into Saturday and Saturday evening before exiting the area by Sunday. This storm has the potential to bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to the area. We will continue to monitor and track the system as it approaches the state. Stay tuned for further updates . For today, however, a lovely day is on tap with sunny skies and highs in the upper 70s. Rex

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Is our quiet tornado season about to get noisy?


Here in Mississippi, April leads the other months with the most tornadoes. Between 1950 and 2009, there's been 265 April tornadoes. Meanwhile, March is in second place with 213. July is in last with just 31.

Thus far, 2010, has been very quiet when it comes to severe weather. We've had some small threats, but nothing major. Unfortunately, our luck may be running out. A potential outbreak of severe weather seems to be building for Mississippi between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening. What's worse, is that some models suggest that this may become a prolonged event. In other words, there may be multiple rounds which carry a threat of severe weather.

Right now it's not to early to say that severe weather will develop in Mississippi...In fact it seems fairly probable. However, it is to early to say that severe weather will certainly be here in the pine belt. We are still 3+ days out and as we get closer I will be more precise as to where the severe weather may go. Either way, I want to make sure that this a well advertised event.

Know that all types of severe weather will be "on the table". This includes, strong winds, hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, and tornadoes. Please keep up with us on air and online as this week progresses. I'll be putting a lot of emphasis on this event through out the rest of the week.

Thanks for trusting the 7 on Your Side weather team.

-Nick Ortego

A few showers early today-Big weekend storm possible !

We will have a few passing showers this morning but most of the activity should be out of here by the afternoon. Of much bigger concern is the possibility of a Major Spring Storm moving through our area this weekend. Weather models are converging on a possible severe weather event for late Friday into Saturday and Saturday night ! We will continue to monitor the maps and we will keep you informed ! What can we expect with this storm ? At this time tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are looking very likely. Stay tuned ! We are way overdue for a storm outbreak because of our very long and cold winter. Rex

Monday, April 19, 2010

The real weather story comes this weekend...


Overnight tonight and into early Tuesday a weak upper disturbance may spark some isolated light rain in and around the pine belt. By mid week, we should actually see a few really nice days.

However, what I'll be watching for, is a storm system that may bring severe weather to south Mississippi. Still 4+ days away, but it appears that many ingredients are coming together for some strong/severe storms. Come Friday we should have a moist and unstable air mass buildup in the south and a cool front should be not to far behind to help spark some bad weather. On top of that, we may see a stout dryline develop. This would likely be a point of convection as well.

I want reiterate that this system is still days away. Therefor, this is not a guaranteed event at this point. Stay tuned to WDAM and wdam.com for more details.

Not much sunshine expected today or Tuesday.

A rather weak weather system will provide the area with cloudy skies and a 30% chance for a few showers today but nothing in the way of any severe weather is expected. By Wednesday we should see warmer and sunnier conditions return. A new and much stronger storm system will approach the area this weekend and it may bring some severe weather to our area Saturday afternoon and evening. We will have more on that as the models become clearer on what to expect. In any event that system should clear the area by early Sunday resulting in sunny skies and much warmer temps. Rex

Friday, April 16, 2010

Great weather to continue through the weekend !

High pressure continues to control our weather here in the deep south. Over the weekend a weak cool front is forecast to pass through the area but little if any rain is forecast with it's passage. Temps will be slightly cooler behind this front with highs on Saturday near 80 and in the 70's for Sunday and Monday. Lows for the weekend will be mainly in the 50s. By late next week a strong system could bring some severe weather to the area but that it is a little far out to discuss at this time. Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather ! Rex

Thursday, April 15, 2010

As Gomer Pyle would say "suprise,suprise,suprise'!

The showers that developed in our area yesterday did come as a complete suprise to most forecasters including myself ! Meteorology is NOT an exact science and that was proven yesterday. But anyway, we will try it again today. High pressure is forecast to strengthen and should put a cap on any chances of rain forming in the area for the next few days. We are getting into the time of year where we will run the daily risk of mainly afternoon showers and thunderstorms but i think that is still a few weeks away. We do put alot of research into our forecasts and we always want to be right, but then there are times and will be again when we miss it. Mother Nature can fool us sometimes. Rex

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tame April weather to continue !

April can be a very violet weather month in Mississippi but this year so far has been very quiet ! High pressue continues to be the main weather maker for us and it is forecast to stay with us for awhile. A weak cool front is forecast to make it down to our area by Saturday resulting in a slight chance for a shower or thunderstorm. After the front passes high pressure is forecasted again to take control of our weather with slightly cooler but still dry weather into next week. Let's hope our luck continues to hold ! As far as the upcoming hurricane season, it is looking like it may turn out to be a real doozy ! More on that later ! Rex

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

High pressure rules !

High pressure continues to dominate our weather and will continue to do so for the next several days resulting in very nice weather. For today through Thursday expect sunny skies with highs mainly in the low 80s and lows in the 50s. We may see a shower or thunderstorm by Sunday or Monday but between now and then just get out and enjoy the weather ! Rex

Monday, April 12, 2010

Nice weather to continue for the new few days.

High pressure will be in control of our weather for at least most of the work week. Highs each day will be around 80 to the lower 80s and lows in the upper 40s tonight but 50s for the rest of the week. By Saturday clouds will be increasing with highs still in the lower 80s. Slight chance for a shower or thunderstorm on Sunday with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 50s. This is really quiet unusual weather for April as it is normaly one of more active weather months here in the deep south. Enjoy ! Remember the hurricane season starts June the first and so far all forecasts indicate a return to a more acticve period. We will have to wait and see how it all pans out ! Stay tuned ! Rex

Friday, April 9, 2010

Great weekend ahead !

We are looking at a stretch of some very nice weather starting today and lasting well into next week. Expect highs to mainly be in the 70s and lows in the 40s for the next several nights then lows in the 50s starting next week. Have a great weekend ! Rex

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Rain ends-better weather on the way !

The rain will end from west to east this morning followed by clearing skies and slightly cooler weather today. Highs today are forecast to reach the upper 60s. Mostly clear tonight and a little cooler with lows in the lower 40s. For Friday into Sunday expect sunny days and cool nights with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Rex

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Showers and possible thunderstorms later tonight.

A front will bring a chance of showers and possible thunderstorms to the area mainly after midnight. Some of the storms may be on the heavy to severe side. The showers and storms are expected to end early Thursday followed by very nice and slightly cooler weather for Friday into Monday of next week. Rex

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Will Wednesday night be stormy?

Tuesday 9:45pm- For those of you that have not been keeping up... a pretty stout cold front is pushing through Kansas and Oklahoma right now and it's been sparking off some strong storms. Late Wednesday early Thursday that cooler air will be mixing with a warm and moist air mass here in Mississippi and will likely ignite our own showers/storms.

The good news is the latest guidance suggest that the severe activity is going to be more probable around the Mississippi River and less probable here in the Pine Belt. As for the timing, our in-house models as well as the NWS data indicate that the main squall line should push through the Pine Belt between 2Am and 7AM Thursday morning.

We'll be monitoring the situation overnight Wednesday... so stay tuned to WDAM and wdam.com

Areas pf patchy fog this morning- them mostly sunny.

Areas of patchy fog this morning will give way to mostly sunny and warm conditions today with highs topping out int the lower 80s. Patchy fog is also expected tonight with lows in the lower 60s and then mostly sunny and warm again on Wednesday. Chance for showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning then clearing and cooler for Friday through Monday with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Rex

Monday, April 5, 2010

This week...

Monday the Pine Belt reached 84 degrees making it the warmest day so far this year. Tomorrow should remain fairly uneventful but we will likely have a stiff breeze out of the south at about 10-15mph.

We're keeping an eye on Wednesday into Thursday for our next shot at some rain and maybe even storms.

On the back side of this front, some cooler air will filter in allowing highs to max out in the 70s.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Week cold front will have little impact on our weather this weekend.

A weak cool front will approach the area later tonight and with it will come a slight chance for showers and a possible thunderstorm after midnight. Very little if any severe weather is forecast with this system. The front is expected to wash out across the region on Saturday. Partly sunny skies are forecast by Saturday afternoon with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s. For Easter Sunday expect partly sunny skies with highs in the lower 80s and lows in the 50s. Rex

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Easter still looks great !

Patchy fog this morning will give way to sunny skies today with highs around 80. Mostly clear tonight with lows in the lower 50s. Sunny and quite breezy on Friday as a weak front begins to head our way. Wind speeds of 10-20 mph with higher gusts are forecast for Friday afternoon. As the front makes it's way through Friday night we have a chance for showers and a few thunderstorms. Although a few storms may be severe in nature, weather conditions are not expected to be right for any real severe weather problems. The front is forecast to be east of our area by Saturday morning with clearing skies expected by the aftenoonn with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the lower 50s. For Easter Sunday, partly to mostly sunny skies are expected with highs in the lower 80s and lows in the upper 50s. Rex