Mississippi is located
in the humid subtropical climate region, characterized by
temperate winters; long, hot summers; and rainfall that is
fairly evenly distributed through the year. However, the state
is subject to periods of both drought and flood, and the climate
rarely seems to bring "average" conditions. More typical would
be an expectation of "feast or famine" with regard to weather
events as the climate delivers energy and moisture in subtropical
latitudes between a large landmass to the north and the Gulf
of Mexico to the south.
Prevailing
southerly winds provide moisture for high humidity and
potential discomfort from May through September. Locally
violent and destructive thunderstorms are a threat on an
average of about 60 days each year. Eight hurricanes have
struck Mississippi's coast since 1895, and tornadoes are
a particular danger, especially during the spring season.
Normal mean annual temperatures
range from 62F in the north to 68F along the coast. Low
temperatures have dropped to 16F below zero while high temperatures
exceed 90F over 100 days each year. Temperatures routinely
exceed 100F at many places in the state each year and drop
to zero or lower an average of once in five years in the
state. Freezing temperatures reach the Gulf coast almost
every winter. Normal precipitation ranges from about 50
to 65 inches across the state from north to south.
Measurable
snow or sleet falls on some part of the state in 95% of
the years.
In essence, Mississippi has
a climate characterized by absence of severe cold in winter
but by the presence of extreme heat in summer. The ground
rarely freezes and outdoor activities are generally planned
year-round. Cold spells are usually of short duration and
the growing season is long. Rainfall is plentiful, but so
are dry spells and sunshine.
