By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
May 2, 2002
Mississippi's chief meteorologist says East Mississippi is heading toward a drought.
Jim Stefkovich, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Jackson, said Wednesday that Meridian hasn't received significant rainfall since the first of April.
In April, typically one of the wettest months, Meridian only recorded 1.58 inches of rainfall more than 4 inches below the average.
For the year, rainfall amounts in Meridian are nearly 10 inches below average at 14.17 inches for the first four months.
And, Stefkovich said, early weather projections don't indicate any relief in the near future.
Stefkovich said droughts also can cause temperatures to rise in the summer months.
That happened two years ago, when a drought in Mississippi sent temperatures across much of the state soaring to record highs through the summer.