The weather of March in Mississippi features frequent and rapid changes.

The longer days allow for more sunshine, with weather conditions slowly warming through the month with occasional cold snaps that can plunge temperatures well below normal within a 24 hour period.

And with the sudden changes in temperatures in March, the weather pattern typically  becomes very stormy and wet as the month progresses.

March is the 2nd most active month for tornadoes.

At least 1 tornado has been confirmed in the state during the month of March since 1998.

March is also one of the wettest months of the year with average rainfall amounts over 5 inches statewide!

Jackson averages around 5.75 inches of rainfall during the month.  Meridian averages close to 7 inches of rainfall (6.93") for the month.  Both Tupelo and Pascagoula average around 6.25 inches during the month. 

This major increase in precipitation also increases the threat for flooding during the month.

Normal high temperatures warm from the low to mid 60s to begin the month of March to the upper 60s to low 70s to end the month across the state.  

Normal low temperatures warm from the upper 30s to mid 40s to begin the month of March to the upper 40s and low 50s to end the month across the state.

Vicksburg (Mississippi River)

The average last freeze occurs during the middle to latter half of the month of March across Central and Southern Mississippi.  

North Mississippi typically experiences their last freeze in early April.

 Examples of March's volatility:

• March 24-28, 2009: Series of severe weather outbreaks with heavy rain across parts of Central and Southern Mississippi.   Some locations received up to 6 inches of rainfall.
• High temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s from March 1-6, 2008, came to an abrupt end with high temperatures only in the low 40s by March 7-8, 2008  with 2 to 4 inches of snowfall in Northern Mississippi.
  
• In Jackson, the temperature went from a high of 60 degrees on March 10, 2005 to a high of 81 degrees on March 13, 2005 down to a high of only 46 degrees on March 16, 2005.
  
• March measurable snow has occurred in the state over the last 2 years!

As we progress through the month of March, you should  basically be prepared for anything, whether it be severe weather including tornadoes, heavy rain with flooding, drastic temperature swings and even wintry weather.

So far the month has gotten off to a very cold start with average high temperatures in the 40s with average low temperatures in the 30s, but a steady warm up is expected through the weekend with high temperatures warming into the 60s statewide.  

Looking ahead, temperatures could approach or surpass the 70 degree mark by next Monday with the threat of thunderstorms by Tuesday, which is what you would expect this time of year.

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