What should you know about Meridian's weather?
- NWS office
- Jackson (JAN)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- CST/CDT
- Elevation
- 339 ft
- Coordinates
- 32.36° N, 88.70° W
- Nearest radar
- KDGX · Jackson/Brandon,MS NEXRAD · 75 mi
- County
- Lauderdale County, MS
- Yearly rain
- 57 in
- Warmest month
- July · 82.7°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 47.7°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Apr to Jun
How much rain does Meridian get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59.0 | 63.8 | 71.2 | 78.2 | 85.3 | 91.0 | 93.3 | 93.1 | 88.9 | 79.5 | 68.7 | 61.1 |
| Low °F | 36.4 | 39.7 | 45.9 | 52.6 | 61.3 | 68.9 | 72.0 | 71.3 | 65.6 | 53.7 | 42.9 | 38.6 |
| Rain (in) | 5.61 | 5.35 | 5.66 | 5.56 | 4.20 | 4.64 | 5.11 | 4.36 | 3.17 | 3.86 | 4.21 | 5.27 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59.0 | 36.4 | 5.61 |
| Feb | 63.8 | 39.7 | 5.35 |
| Mar | 71.2 | 45.9 | 5.66 |
| Apr | 78.2 | 52.6 | 5.56 |
| May | 85.3 | 61.3 | 4.20 |
| Jun | 91.0 | 68.9 | 4.64 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 72.0 | 5.11 |
| Aug | 93.1 | 71.3 | 4.36 |
| Sep | 88.9 | 65.6 | 3.17 |
| Oct | 79.5 | 53.7 | 3.86 |
| Nov | 68.7 | 42.9 | 4.21 |
| Dec | 61.1 | 38.6 | 5.27 |
MERIDIAN KEY FLD, MS US · 3 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
Can a squall line produce tornadoes on Meridian weather radar?
Yes, tornadoes can form along a squall line, including southwest of Meridian. NWS Jackson documented a tornado there during a fast-moving January line and paired its rainfall imagery with storm-relative velocity imagery. That pairing matters because rain intensity alone does not establish whether winds are rotating. Treat an approaching line as a reason to check warnings even if no isolated storm stands out.
Why can a snow band change travel conditions near Meridian?
A concentrated snow band can produce slushy roads even when surface temperatures initially sit above freezing. NWS Jackson documented a December storm with its highest snowfall amounts focused along and southeast of a line from Brookhaven to Meridian. The heaviest bursts left slush on roads. During a similar forecast, compare the radar band with temperature observations instead of assuming a mild start means only rain.
What makes icy precipitation a problem on the interstate corridor?
Sleet and freezing precipitation can create dangerous travel conditions along the interstate even when radar mainly shows a broad precipitation area. NWS Jackson documented significant sleet along I-20 toward Lauderdale County during a January winter storm, with a brief change to snow near Meridian. Cold road surfaces helped ice accumulate on roads and bridges across the affected corridor. Check road-condition reports before departure because a fading return does not establish that the pavement has thawed.
What else should I check when rain persists over Sowashee Creek?
Check the USGS Sowashee Creek gauge at Meridian along with the rain loop. Radar shows whether more precipitation is crossing the basin, while the gauge records the creek response at its measuring point. A normal year at the Meridian Key Field reference station brings 57 inches of precipitation, but an annual average says little about an individual downpour. Follow official flood information and closures rather than using a creek reading as proof that every nearby road is open.
When should you check the Meridian radar?
Spring storm window
April to JuneBefore crossing at Bonita Road, look for cells repeatedly moving over the same area instead of simply sweeping through. Avoid a flooded approach even if the strongest return has moved east.
Secondary tornado season
November to DecemberWatch for an organized line approaching the area near Nellieburg when planning an evening trip. Keep warning notifications audible because a rain map cannot provide a reliable visual tornado sighting after dark.
What else do people ask about the Meridian radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Meridian?
NWS Jackson (JAN) issues forecasts and warnings for Meridian. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KDGX, about 75 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Jackson and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KDGX (Jackson/Brandon,MS NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Jackson (JAN)
- Severe storms peak from April to June (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: CST/CDT
- Radar: KDGX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Jackson (JAN)
- Severe storms: April to June
- Local time: CST/CDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Jackson office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: MERIDIAN KEY FLD, MS US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NWS Jackson: January 2, 2017 tornadoes
- NWS Jackson: December 8, 2017 snow
- NWS Jackson: January 6, 2017 winter weather
- USGS: Sowashee Creek at Meridian
- USGS: Mississippi water resources data and gauge locations
- NWS Jackson: Fall severe weather preparedness