If you’ve ever lived in central Mississippi, you know that the weather for Richland MS is basically a roll of the dice some mornings. It’s early January right now. Specifically, it's Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you look out the window today, it's pretty gray. We’re sitting at around 52°F with a light rain that keeps threatening to turn into a real soak. It’s that damp, chilly air that gets into your bones.
The humidity is hovering near 73%, making that 52 degrees feel more like 48. Honestly, it’s classic winter for us. You need a coat, but you’ll probably be taking it off if you go into a grocery store for more than five minutes. Tonight, though? It’s going to get cold. We are looking at a low of 30°F. That’s a 22-degree drop. If you have plants that aren’t fans of the frost, bring them in now.
Why Central Mississippi Weather Is So Moody
Richland sits in a humid subtropical zone. That sounds fancy, but it really just means we get plenty of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This moisture clashes with whatever cold air is sliding down from the Great Plains.
When those two meet over Rankin County, things get interesting.
The National Weather Service often points out that Mississippi rarely sees "average" conditions. We usually deal with "feast or famine." Either it hasn't rained in three weeks and the ground is cracking, or we’re getting four inches in a single afternoon.
The Real Numbers (Averages vs. Reality)
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 39°F |
| July | 91°F | 73°F |
| October | 77°F | 56°F |
Don't let those averages fool you. In July, it isn't just 91 degrees. It is 91 degrees with 90% humidity, which makes it feel like you are walking through a warm soup. The "feels like" temperature—what the experts call the heat index—regularly cruises past 100°F.
The Severe Weather Reality
We have to talk about the storms. It's not fun, but it's part of the deal when you look at weather for Richland MS.
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March, April, and May are the big ones. That's our primary tornado season. But there is a secondary season in November and December that people often forget about. These "Dixie Alley" storms are different from the ones in Kansas. Here, we have trees. Lots of them. We also have hills and high humidity that can hide a tornado until it’s right on top of you.
Radar is your best friend.
Flash flooding is another local specialty. Richland has areas that collect water fast when the Pearl River starts getting high or when a stationary front just sits over us.
"Turn around, don't drown" isn't just a catchy phrase; it’s a rule for anyone driving down Highway 49 during a summer downpour.
Lightning and Wind
Thunderstorms happen about 60 days a year here.
Did you know you can be struck by lightning even if the sky above you is blue? If a storm is within 10 miles, you're in the strike zone. If you hear thunder, the lightning is close enough to reach you.
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Best Times to Actually Be Outside
If you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a trip to the park, aim for the windows of perfection.
Mid-April to early June is usually great. The pollen has mostly settled, and the "oppressive" heat hasn't quite locked in yet.
Early September to late October is the other sweet spot. October is actually our clearest month. On average, the sky is clear or mostly sunny about 67% of the time. It’s the best time for high school football games and outdoor festivals because you aren't sweating through your shirt.
What to Expect the Rest of This Week
After today's rain, Thursday (January 15) is going to be crisp.
The high will only hit about 45°F. It’ll be sunny, though.
Friday looks better with a high of 58°F.
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By Sunday, we might see a low of 23°F. This is that "yo-yo" weather Central Mississippi is famous for. You’ll have the heater on at night and might be tempted to crack a window by Friday afternoon.
Practical Advice for Richland Residents
Keep a "go-bag" or at least a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight in a central spot.
Check your tire pressure when these 20-degree temperature swings happen. Your "low pressure" light loves this time of year.
Watch the local radar during the spring. Apps like WeatherBug or the local news stations (WJTV, WAPT) are usually more accurate for our specific microclimate than the generic app that comes on your phone.
Central Mississippi weather moves fast.
Stay weather-aware, keep an umbrella in the trunk, and always have a backup plan for outdoor events.