Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 20 - DIVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES › Chapter 1 - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Weatherization Assistance Program › Rule 18-20-1-1 - Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) State Plan › Section 18-20-1-1-V - MASTER FILE › Section 18-20-1-1-V.4 - Climatic Conditions

Current through June 25, 2024
According to the State Climatologist Office at
						Mississippi State University, Mississippi is located in the humid subtropical
						climate region, characterized by temperate winters; long, hot summers; and
						rainfall that is fairly evenly distributed through the year. However, the state
						is subject to periods of both drought and flood, and the climate rarely seems
						to bring "average" conditions. More typical would be an expectation of "feast
						or famine" with regard to weather events as the climate delivers energy and
						moisture in subtropical latitudes between a large landmass to the north and the
						Gulf of Mexico to the south.
Prevailing southerly winds provide moisture for high
						humidity and potential discomfort from May through September. Locally violent
						and destructive thunderstorms are a threat on an average of about 60 days each
						year. Eight hurricanes have struck Mississippi's coast since 1895, and
						tornadoes are a particular danger, especially during the spring season.
Normal mean annual temperatures range from 62F in the
						north to 68F along the coast. Low temperatures have dropped to 16F below zero
						while high temperatures exceed 90F over 100 days each year. Temperatures
						routinely exceed 100F at many places in the state each year and drop to zero or
						lower an average of once in five years in the state. Freezing temperatures
						reach the Gulf coast almost every winter. Normal precipitation ranges from
						about 50 to 65 inches across the state from north to south. Measurable snow or
						sleet falls on some part of the state in 95% of the years.
In essence, Mississippi has a climate characterized by
						absence of severe cold in winter but by the presence of extreme heat in summer.
						The ground rarely freezes and outdoor activities are generally planned
						year-round. Cold spells are usually of short duration and the growing season is
						long. Rainfall is plentiful, but so are dry spells and sunshine.
The State of Mississippi is divided into three climatic
						regions. Listed below is a comparison of 2021(January) to 2022 (July) Heating
						and Cooling Degree Days according to the National Weather Service and the
						Weather Data Depot (
http://www.weatherdatadepot.com/
)
						per region.
Region
2021
2022
+/-
2021
2022
+/-
Heating Degree Days
									 (HDD)
Heating Degree Days
									 (HDD)
Comparison %
									 Increase/Decrease Days
Cooling Degree Days
									 (CDD)
Cooling Degree Days
									 (CDD)
Comparison %
									 Increase/Decrease Days
Tupelo (Region # 1) North MS
1182
1164
-2%
3305
2116
18%
Jackson (Region # 2) Central MS
1282
882
-10%
3684
2295
17%
Gulfport (Region # 3) South MS
819
624
-5%
3935
2410
14%
These climatic variances within the State affect how the
						weatherization program is designed and targets the number of units weatherized.
						It also affects energy savings realized in different regions, as well as energy
						usage and cost (labor/material).