The Climate of Mississippi

According to Abbreviation Finder, Mississippi (MS) is a state in the southeastern United States and is named after the river of the same name that flows through the Magnolia State. Mississippi is fairly flat and has a very fertile climate, which has ensured that cotton cultivation has been able to develop considerably. The many enslaved people who were employed in cotton farming have ensured that a fairly large proportion of today’s inhabitants of Mississippi fall within the African American ethnic group.

Maritime climate

Mississippi has a warm maritime climate (also known as warm maritime climate), with long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters. Summer lasts about four to five months, with average maximum temperatures around 29 to 34 degrees Celsius and precipitation for about a third of all days. During hurricane season (July to December), Mississippi is prone to hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico and sometimes having disastrous effects. It is mainly the enormous amount of precipitation that causes flooding. A fairly recent example is Hurricane Katrinain 2005, which ultimately resulted in 238 fatalities in Mississippi. Another threat in Mississippi is tornadoes. These destructive whirlwinds cause problems every year. On average, Mississippi has 27 tornadoes on an annual basis, about a quarter of which are in the worst category.

Climate figures

The figures below are based on long-term average climate statistics. The temperatures are displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

The climate of Columbus

According to Countryaah, Columbus is a small city in western Mississippi, not far from the Alabama border. Columbus is located on the Tombigbee River and on Lake Columbus, in Lowndes County. The city was founded in the early 19th century. Before this time, the town was called Possum Town, which is the nickname of the town to this day. Columbus Air Force Base has been here since the end of World War II. This is the largest employer in the region.

Columbus has a warm maritime climate, with pleasant, mild winters and warm, sometimes hot, summer months. On average, Columbus receives a lot of precipitation on an annual basis, which is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. During the winter months you have a chance of night frost here. Frost is rare during the day. The city is located in the so-called Tornado Alley, which occupies much of the central part of the US. During the tornado season you have a chance of tornadoes here.

The climate of Greenville

Greenville is a small city in the western US state of Mississippi. Greenville is located on the Mississippi River and Lake Ferguson, which form the border with the state of Louisiana. The city was founded in the early 19th century. During the American Civil War, the city was completely destroyed and later rebuilt a few kilometers away. In the 50s and 60s of the last century, the city was known for its many blues clubs.

Greenville has a warm maritime climate, characterized by long, warm summer months and short, mild winter months. Frost can occur regularly during the winter months, but this will mainly be limited to the nights. There is a lot of precipitation in Greenville on an annual basis. On average about 1500 mm which is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. During the winter months it can sometimes snow here.

The climate of Gulfport

Gulfport is a large city in southern Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico. The city is located in Harrison County. The US Navy has a large fleet in the city. This division of the US Navy calls itself the Atlantic Fleet Seabees. The city is popular with tourists not so much for its beautiful white beaches, but more because of the many casinos. In 2005, the city was hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Gulfport has a warm maritime climate, which is heavily influenced by its location on the Gulf of Mexico. The summer months are hot here, but the sea breeze usually provides the necessary cooling. The winter months are particularly mild and a lot less cold than in the more northerly places in Mississippi. There is a lot of rain, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. In the second half of the year you have to take into account that tropical storms and hurricanes can occur here.

The climate of Jackson

Jackson is the capital of the US state of Mississippi. Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi with just under two hundred thousand inhabitants. Jackson is named after the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson. More than two thirds of the inhabitants are so-called African Americans. Major attractions in Jackson include the International Museum of Muslim Culture, the Jackson Zoo, and the Jackson State University Botanical Garden.

Jackson has a warm maritime climate (type Cfa according to the Köppen climate classification), with long, warm summers and short, mild winters. Frost is rare in the winter months. If it ever freezes, it is almost always limited to light night frost. After a short spring, a long, warm summer follows, with tropical temperatures during the day, many balmy evenings and limited cooling during the night. Short autumn is the driest period, with an average of 6 to 9 precipitation days per month. Jackson is located in an area prone to severe thunderstorms. On average, there is thunder during a fifth of all days, which does not always mean precipitation. Jackson is located in an area where very damaging tornadoes can occur.

The climate of Meridian

Meridian is a medium-sized city in eastern Mississippi, in Lauderdale County. The first inhabitants of this region were the Choctaw Indians. The city originated in the mid-19th century at a railway junction and is still an important railway city. The city also has two airports, a military airport and a civilian airport. Outside the city are the Bonita Lakes and Lake Okatibbee.

Meridian has a warm maritime climate, with a lot of precipitation, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. Summers are warm and pleasant, sometimes even tropical hot. This in combination with the high precipitation results in a high humidity. Winters are mild, but night frosts are frequent. Meridian is located in the so-called Tornado Alley. So you have to keep in mind that tornadoes can occur during tornado season.

The climate of Tupelo

Tupelo is a medium-sized city in northeast Mississippi, in Lee County. There was a battle here during the Civil War. Before this battle, the city was called Gumpond. Tupelo is Elvis Presley’s hometown. Many tourists come to the city to see where the King spent the early years of his life. The city also houses the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo.

Tupelo has a warm maritime climate, with long warm summer months and a short cold winter. The winter months are slightly colder here than in the more southerly places in Mississippi. Night frosts therefore occur regularly. The precipitation figures are very high and there is not a single month in which the average precipitation is low. Tupelo is located in the so-called Tornado Alley of the United States. On average, Mississippi has nearly 30 tornadoes per year.