The Alcorn County drought got worse again this week. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday, now shows every acre of the county in severe drought, and the dry spell is spreading across neighboring Tishomingo and Prentiss counties. Relief is in sight, though: the National Weather Service in Memphis expects a pattern change to bring showers and thunderstorms starting Friday afternoon and lasting through the weekend.
Alcorn County Drought by the Numbers
The weekly Drought Monitor, which reflects conditions as of Tuesday, Sept. 29, shows how fast things have dried out over the past two weeks:
Alcorn County: 100% in severe drought (D2), up from about 86% last week. Two weeks ago, none of the county was in severe drought.
Tishomingo County: about 46% in severe drought, up from 0% last week. The rest of the county is in moderate drought (D1).
Prentiss County: about 24% in severe drought, up from about 13% last week. The entire county is at least in moderate drought.
Severe drought usually means pastures and hay supplies are suffering, ponds and creeks are low, and the risk of grass and brush fires is high.
Storms Return Friday, Cooler Weekend Ahead
Thursday will be one more hot, dry day, with a high near 92 in Corinth and south winds of 10 to 15 mph. The forecast changes Friday as a weak cold front moves into the Mid-South and stalls.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly from early afternoon on. Rain chance 70%. High near 87, falling into the lower 80s during the afternoon.
Friday night: 40% chance of showers and storms. Low around 66.
Saturday: 40% chance of showers during the day and 50% Saturday night as a second wave moves through. High near 80.
Sunday: 50% chance of showers and storms. High near 77, with a low around 56 Sunday night.
Forecasters said weak wind shear and limited instability should keep severe weather from developing. As of midday Thursday, there were no watches, warnings or advisories for Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo counties.
Cooler, more seasonable air settles in early next week, with highs in the 70s to lower 80s across the Mid-South.
Rain Won’t End the Drought
The National Weather Service said rainfall totals through the weekend should average 1 to 1.5 inches south of Interstate 40, which includes Northeast Mississippi. That will help, but forecasters said the rain is not expected to make up the large rainfall deficits that have built up across the region.
That means fire danger will stay a concern after the weekend. Alcorn County’s emergency burn ban remains in effect through Oct. 12, according to the Alcorn County Fire Service. Under the ban, outdoor burning is not allowed. Residents should also be careful with anything that can throw sparks, including dragging trailer chains, mowers in dry grass and tossed cigarettes.
Tips for the Days Ahead
Keep following the burn ban even after it rains. One wet weekend will not soak dry fuels for long.
If thunderstorms are near, remember: when thunder roars, go indoors. Outdoor games and events Friday and Saturday may face lightning delays.
Watch for slick roads when the first rain falls on roads that have been dry for weeks. Oil buildup can make the pavement slippery.
Check the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Memphis before weekend plans.
Jon R Myers is the executive editor of Alcorn County News and the founder of the Mississippi News Group, which he started in 2013 to cover communities across North Mississippi. He also founded the Mississippi Sports Group in 2006, which grew from a single community publication into a statewide network covering high school and college athletics. He reports on local government, public safety, schools and community life in Corinth and Alcorn County, working from public meetings, agency records and interviews with the people involved. Contact him at editor@alcornnewsms.com with news tips or corrections. For a correction, include the article link and supporting source material.
Stay connected
Your community. Wherever you are.
Follow Alcorn County News on Facebook for local news from Corinth and across Alcorn County.
