Extreme cold watch issued as freezing temps return

Published 2:01 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Lauderdale County residents will want to bundle up heading into the weekend as another round of bitter cold moves through the area. An extreme cold watch has been issued for much of the state from Friday night through 6 p.m. Saturday.

Wind chills as low as -2 degrees and high temperatures remaining below freezing will present a danger to people, plants and pets. Frostbite and hypothermia are possible with prolonged exposure to the cold.

Strong winds, with gusts up to 30-40 miles per hour, are also expected.

The National Weather Service in Jackson is forecasting a low of 18 degrees Friday night and a Saturday high temperatures of 31. Saturday night will drop down to 15 degrees before finally climbing above freezing Sunday with a high of 39 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to keep pets inside if possible or make sure they have food, water and adequate shelter from the cold, check on family and friends and dress in layers, including hats, gloves and face masks, the Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency said in a weather alert.

Exposed pipes should be wrapped or allowed to drip slowly to avoid freezing, and any portable heaters should be used correctly.

Residents are also encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast heading into the weekend and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.