Honestly, if you've lived in North Mississippi for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up thinking it’s a light jacket kind of morning, and by noon, you’re regretting every life choice that didn't involve a heavy parka. It's just how things go here in the Birthplace of Elvis.
Right now, if you’re looking at the weather forecast tupelo ms, things are leaning hard into that classic winter chill. We aren't talking about a "dusting of snow" kind of cold yet, but the numbers are definitely biting.
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The Numbers for Sunday, January 18, 2026
Tonight is looking crisp. And by crisp, I mean clear skies and a current temperature sitting right at 29°F. But don't let that number fool you. With the wind coming out of the west at about 7 mph, the real-feel temperature is hovering closer to 22°F.
Basically, if you’re heading out to Grab a burger at Johnnie’s Drive-In or just taking the dog for a quick lap around the block, you're going to feel that wind through your sleeves.
The humidity is sitting at 58%, which is actually relatively low for us, considering how swampy the Natchez Trace can get in July. No precipitation is on the radar for tonight—the chance of snow is 0%—so at least you won't be scraping ice off the windshield before work tomorrow morning.
A Quick Look at the Sunday Summary
- High: 38°F (Sunny)
- Low: 21°F (Clear)
- Wind: 9 mph from the West
- Humidity: 48%
- UV Index: 3 (Low)
What Most People Get Wrong About Tupelo Winters
People from up North laugh when we mention "winter" in Mississippi. They think it’s all sunshine and magnolias year-round. They’re wrong.
January is historically our coldest month. While our average high is usually around 51°F, we frequently see these dips where the mercury struggles to break 40°F. This Sunday is a perfect example, with a high of only 38°F.
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The real danger in Tupelo isn't just the cold; it's the variability. We are in a transition zone. One day you’re dealing with a dry, Canadian air mass that makes your skin crack, and the next, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico slides up and turns everything into a soggy, freezing mess.
Why the Wind Matters Here
Tupelo isn't exactly a mountain town, but the terrain in Lee County allows those western winds to pick up speed. A 9 mph wind might not sound like much, but when the ambient air is 21°F, it’s enough to make your eyes water.
The 2025-2026 Winter Context
If you remember back to the spring of 2025, we had that massive tornado outbreak in March. That system was a reminder of how volatile the atmosphere over the Mississippi Valley can be. While this January has been somewhat drier and calmer, we are still seeing the effects of a transitioning La Niña, according to recent climate reports from the Old Farmer’s Almanac and NOAA.
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Typically, a fading La Niña means we get these sharp "chilly snaps" followed by an early thaw. We’re currently in one of those snaps. Local meteorologists at WTVA and WCBI have been tracking this cold front that pushed through over the weekend, and it looks like these temperatures in the 20s and 30s are going to stick around for the start of the work week.
Survival Tips for the Lee County Chill
Since we aren't seeing any rain or snow in the immediate weather forecast tupelo ms, your main battle is with the temperature and the dry air.
- Check the Pipes: We aren't in a hard-freeze emergency yet, but with a low of 21°F tonight, it’s worth making sure your outdoor hoses are disconnected.
- Hydrate Your Skin: The humidity is dropping to 48% during the day. In a place where we’re used to 80% moisture, your skin is going to feel it.
- The Layering Rule: Since it’s going to be sunny tomorrow, the sun hitting your car will make it feel warmer than it actually is. Wear layers you can peel off, because that 38°F high is still going to feel cold the second you step into the shade.
Keep an eye on the western horizon. Clear skies usually mean the heat escapes the ground faster at night, which is why we’re seeing that plummet down to 21°F by early Monday morning.
Stay warm out there. Whether you’re heading to the Mall at Barnes Crossing or just staying in with a hot coffee, this isn't the night to forget your coat on the rack.
Next Steps for Staying Safe:
Check your tire pressure in the morning; these sudden drops in temperature often trigger "low pressure" sensors. Also, if you have elderly neighbors in the neighborhood, a quick text to make sure their heat is running smoothly is a classic Tupelo move.