1/19 – Rob’s Weekend/Warmer Forecast

Surface high-pressure centered near Hattiesburg this morning, and is moving slowly eastward. Upper wave noted over south Texas is spreading “warm” air back toward the area hot on the heels of the high pressure. This is reflected in the mid-level cloud deck that has moved into much of the northern half of the area. Although a HARD FREEZE WARNING is in effect, it’s only for Stone, George & Jackson counties. The next 48 hours won`t see weather that will make headlines, with the exception of MUCH NEEDED WARMER temperatures. An Upper wave over south Texas this morning will gradually move along the Gulf Coast through Saturday, and will be centered near Jacksonville on Sunday as this occurs, the next system will move out of the southern Rockies on Sunday. As we see this morning, the warm advection with this system is already sufficient to produce mid-level clouds. We`ll see with the morning soundings just how deep this moisture is.

As the next upper system kicks out of the Rockies on Sunday, moisture and warm air advection increases. Could see a little more sun, and rain will begin to approach from the west, but will keep most of the area dry during the daytime hours on Sunday. By this point, we`ll need to start concerning ourselves with the potential for sea fog near the coast as dew points finally increase into the 50s. Away from marine influences, highs Sunday could get into the lower 70s in a few areas.  A cold front will push through the area on Monday…with the potential for up to 1 inch of rainfall.