June in Mississippi started with clear skies and warm air, but this weekend, residents should prepare for a dramatic shift in weather conditions. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Kendall Parks, a powerful frontal boundary from the Midwest will descend into the region, interacting with tropical moisture and triggering potentially severe thunderstorms across the state.
Friday night: instability builds over northern Mississippi
Late Friday evening, an upper frontal boundary will push through northern and central Mississippi, creating the right conditions for thunderstorm development. The affected zone will stretch south of Yazoo City through Philadelphia and up to the U.S. 82 corridor. This region will fall under a Marginal Risk alert—Level 1 of 5 for severe weather—while areas north of U.S. 82 will experience a Slight Risk, or Level 2.
Expect strong wind gusts up to 60 mph (96 km/h) or higher and hail the size of quarters (1 inch or 2.5 cm). There is no significant tornado risk at this time.
Saturday night: storms spread farther south
The threat expands Saturday night, reaching farther south across the state. Areas from the U.S. 84 corridor up to Interstate 20 will be under a Marginal Risk, while everything north of I-20 shifts to Slight Risk. This indicates increased storm severity and wider coverage, particularly as tropical moisture remains abundant.
Jackson forecast: climbing heat, weekend storms
Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny, with highs near 90°F (32°C) and heat indices approaching 97°F (36°C). Winds will remain light, shifting from calm to south-southeast.
On Thursday, heat intensifies with a high of 92°F (33°C) and heat indices potentially reaching 100°F (38°C). Patchy fog could appear early, with a 20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Friday brings more sun and heat, with temperatures rising to 93°F (34°C), before clouds build in Friday night, as the storm front approaches.
Saturday and Sunday mark the highest risk for thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. On Saturday, the high will hover near 92°F (33°C), with a 50% chance of storms. Sunday may see even more widespread activity, with a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs around 86°F (30°C).
Hattiesburg outlook: increasing storm potential from Friday
In Hattiesburg, Wednesday and Thursday stay mostly sunny with highs around 91–92°F (32–33°C) and minimal chances of isolated showers. However, storm chances climb significantly by Friday afternoon with a 30% risk and temperatures peaking at 94°F (34°C).
Saturday brings a 60% chance of thunderstorms, with highs soaring to 95°F (35°C). Conditions stay unstable into Saturday night, followed by likely thunderstorms on Sunday, especially in the afternoon. Highs Sunday will settle near 90°F (32°C), with a continued 70% chance of precipitation.
Main threats: wind and hail, not tornadoes
While this weekend’s storm system brings elevated risks, the primary dangers are damaging winds and hail. Tornado formation is not currently expected, though residents are advised to stay aware of rapidly changing conditions and track updates from the National Weather Service.
The combination of hot temperatures, tropical humidity, and an advancing frontal system makes for a volatile weather pattern, particularly during the late afternoon and evening hours from Friday through Sunday.
