Much-needed Tippah County rain is finally in the forecast. After a dry October that kept burn bans in place across north Mississippi, the National Weather Service in Memphis expects showers and thunderstorms to move into Ripley and the surrounding area Saturday night, with more rain likely Sunday and again around Election Day on Tuesday.
Tippah County Rain Timeline
Here is the weekend and early-week outlook for the Ripley area, based on the National Weather Service point forecast issued Saturday morning, Oct. 31:
Saturday (Halloween): Cloudy and warm with a high near 77. A 30% chance of showers after 3 p.m., with less than a tenth of an inch expected.
Saturday night: Showers become likely before 10 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms overnight. Rain chance 80%, low around 57. A quarter to half an inch of rain is possible.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, 90% chance. Much cooler, with a high near 66 and east-southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph. Another tenth to quarter inch is possible.
Monday: Mostly cloudy and dry, high near 72.
Tuesday (Election Day): 50% chance of showers. Partly sunny with a high near 74, falling to around 70 in the afternoon. South-southeast winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.
Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, 70% chance, low around 58.
Wednesday: 50% chance of showers and storms, then clearing and cooler Wednesday night with a low near 49.
Trick-or-Treaters and Weekend Plans
Most of Halloween evening should start out dry, but rain chances climb quickly after dark. Families heading out for trick-or-treating Saturday may want to go early and pack rain jackets. Sunday looks like the wettest day of the stretch, so outdoor plans, including the Ripley Main Street Holiday Open House downtown on Sunday afternoon, could see showers.
Clocks also fall back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday as daylight saving time ends.
Election Day Weather and Safety
Voters headed to the polls in Tippah and Benton counties on Tuesday should be ready for a few showers and a gusty south wind. Storms are more likely Tuesday night after the polls close.
Never drive through water covering a roadway. Turn around.
Slow down on wet roads, especially on Highway 15 and Highway 4, where fallen leaves can make pavement slick.
Secure light outdoor items like campaign signs and holiday decorations before Tuesday’s gusty winds.
Have a way to receive weather alerts, such as a weather radio or phone alerts, in case any storms turn strong.
Rain Won’t End Drought Concerns Overnight
Forecast totals through Sunday are generally under an inch, which will help but likely won’t erase the dry conditions that have built up this fall. Residents should check with county officials before doing any outdoor burning, even after the rain. Forecasts can change, so check the latest from the National Weather Service in Memphis before heading out.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
