Clarksdale is weird. I mean that in the best way possible, especially when you’re standing outside trying to figure out if you need a heavy coat or a light t-shirt. Right now, as of January 16, 2026, it is actually 35°F outside. It feels like 27°F because of a 11 mph wind coming from the south. Honestly, that’s just a Tuesday in the Delta. You’ve got clear skies tonight, but don't let that fool you into thinking the humidity has disappeared; it's sitting at 59% even in the dark.
If you’re planning your day for today, Friday, January 16, 2026, expect a high of 58°F. That is a massive jump from the current chill. It'll be sunny with a southwest wind kicking up to 15 mph. There is a 20% chance of rain during the day, which usually means a stray sprinkle that dries up before it even hits the pavement at Ground Zero Blues Club. Tonight, it’s going to clear out again with a low of 33°F.
The Reality of Weather for Clarksdale Mississippi
Most folks think "South" and assume it's always tropical. Not quite. The climate here is technically humid subtropical, but in the winter, it acts like a moody teenager. We’re looking at a high of 42°F tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, with a low that drops down to a biting 23°F. That’s a 35-degree swing in 24 hours. Basically, your wardrobe needs to be 50% layers and 50% optimism.
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The wind is a real factor here. On Sunday, January 18, it stays sunny but the high only reaches 40°F. The wind shifts to the southwest at 9 mph, making that 22°F night feel much colder. By Monday, we’re seeing "mostly cloudy" with a high of only 38°F and a 10% chance of snow. Yeah, snow in the Delta. It happens just enough to shut down the schools but rarely enough to build a decent snowman.
Seasonal Shifts and Why They Matter
If you aren't here for the winter chill, you’re probably looking at the long game. Clarksdale’s weather is a marathon.
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- Spring (March–May): This is the sweet spot. Highs are usually between 60°F and 80°F. It’s when the Juke Joint Festival happens (usually April), and the air smells like blooming magnolias and damp earth.
- Summer (June–August): This is the "soup" phase. Temperatures regularly hit 91°F or higher, but the humidity makes the "feels like" temp soar toward 100°F. If you're visiting for the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival in August, prepare to sweat through your clothes by 10 AM.
- Fall (September–November): My personal favorite. October is arguably the best month, with highs around 75°F and lows near 50°F. It's crisp, the mosquitoes finally give up, and the sky is clear about 67% of the time.
The Delta Humidity Factor
Humidity in Clarksdale isn't just a stat; it's a physical weight. Even on a "dry" day like Saturday, Jan 17, where humidity is forecast at 40%, it still feels different than a desert 40%. In late January, specifically around the 22nd and 23rd, we’re expecting humidity to spike to 89% and 68% respectively. When you combine that with the 48°F to 57°F temperatures and the "light rain" forecast for those days, it creates that bone-deep damp cold that no heater can quite fix.
Navigating the January Forecast
Looking ahead at the next week, the weather for Clarksdale Mississippi is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. Tuesday, Jan 20, is looking mostly sunny with a high of 40°F. Then the rain moves in. Wednesday (Jan 21) and Thursday (Jan 22) are looking at light rain with highs in the mid-to-high 40s.
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By Saturday, Jan 24, we’re looking at a 70% chance of rain during the day with a high of 53°F. But watch out for Saturday night—there's a 35% chance of that rain turning into snow as the temp drops to 34°F. Sunday, Jan 25, clears up completely, but it’ll be a cold 46°F with a 17 mph north wind.
Actionable Advice for Residents and Visitors
- Check the wind direction: A north wind in Clarksdale means business. If it’s coming from the north at 15+ mph (like it will on Jan 17 and Jan 25), double your layers.
- Waterproof your life: Between Jan 21 and Jan 24, you’re looking at consecutive days of rain. The Delta doesn't drain like the hills; expect standing water on the backroads.
- Ignore the "Sunny" tag in winter: Just because it’s sunny on Jan 18 doesn't mean it’s warm. A 40°F high with a 22°F low is still "pipes might freeze" territory.
- Humidity is the enemy: In summer, stay hydrated. In winter, use a humidifier indoors to combat the dry heat from your furnace, but keep an eye on your windows for condensation, which leads to mold in these older Delta homes.
The Delta is a place of extremes. It's either too wet, too dry, too hot, or surprisingly cold. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. Just keep an eye on the southwest winds—they usually bring the warmth back after a freeze.
Keep your rain gear ready for next Wednesday, and maybe keep a bag of salt handy for the porch on Saturday night just in case that wintry mix decides to stick.