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.