Mississippi is a humid subtropical state characterized by long, hot summers and temperate winters. The popular notion that snow is nonexistent is a misconception, though it is certainly a rare event. While the state does not experience the regular, heavy snowfall common in northern climates, it is not immune to winter precipitation. The frequency of snow varies dramatically by location and is influenced by the state’s geography and climate patterns.
How Often Mississippi Sees Snow
The statewide average for snowfall is remarkably low, reflecting the infrequency of winter precipitation falling as snow. Across most of the state, the average number of days per year that receive measurable snow accumulation is less than one. Central cities, such as Jackson, average only about 0.6 inches of snow annually.
Typical accumulation is usually an inch or less and melts quickly. The seasonal window for snow spans from late December through early February, but many years pass without measurable snowfall. These low averages contrast with historical extremes, such as the 10.5 inches recorded in Madison County in 1919. The official 24-hour snowfall record for the state is 18 inches, observed in Mount Pleasant in the northern region in 1963.
North Versus South: Regional Snow Variations
The likelihood of seeing snow is strongly tied to latitude, creating a significant difference between the northern and southern regions. Northern counties, particularly those near the Tennessee border, experience the most frequent and heaviest snowfalls. For example, Tupelo in the northeast averages about 1.5 inches of snow over 1.5 days annually.
This contrasts significantly with the coastal regions. The Gulf Coast sees the least amount of snow, with coastal cities like Biloxi averaging a minimal 0.1 inches annually. The coastal region records zero days of measurable snowfall on average, meaning precipitation is usually rain or a brief rain-snow mix.
The Role of Mild Winters and the Gulf Coast
The scarcity of snow is largely explained by the moderating influence of the Gulf of Mexico on regional weather patterns. The Gulf acts as a massive thermal reservoir, with water temperatures averaging in the high 60s even during January. This warm body of water supplies moisture and warmth to the low-level air, keeping coastal temperatures about 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than areas further inland.
Snow requires the simultaneous presence of cold air and moisture. While Mississippi receives ample moisture year-round, the necessary cold air from the Arctic often moderates significantly before penetrating deep into the state. When a cold air mass reaches the central or southern regions, the low-level air is frequently just above freezing due to the Gulf’s influence, resulting in rain or sleet instead of snow.