A cold front is expected to arrive in Oxford tonight, bringing rain and possible thunderstorms overnight, followed by freezing temperatures.

Rain may begin as early as 5 p.m. this evening, but the heaviest storms are expected after 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Severe weather is not anticipated.

Rain will continue into Saturday morning before tapering off. Skies should remain mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping sharply from a high of 53 degrees to a low of 24 degrees Saturday night.

Sunday’s high is expected to reach only 32 degrees, with a low of 11 degrees Sunday night. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is forecast to be sunny but cold, with a high of just 29 degrees and a low of 17 degrees. Tuesday’s high will be near 30 degrees, with a low of 15 degrees Tuesday night.

Although these temperatures reflect actual readings, wind chills are expected to make it feel like the temperature is in the single digits. Temperatures will gradually rise toward the end of the week but will remain cold.

Reports of potential snow, ice, or sleet have fluctuated in recent forecasts. The NWS stated on its Facebook page that it is too early to predict winter precipitation next week. As of Friday morning, no snow or ice is expected through Wednesday.

This forecast could change over the weekend, so stay informed.

Oxford Utilities Superintendent Rob Neely assured residents that no major concerns exist regarding power supply during the upcoming cold snap.

“TVA made investments in 2023 after Winter Storm Elliott to strengthen their generation and transmission systems, which have proven effective during extreme weather events,” Neely said. “However, with electric load growing, TVA continues to rely on off-system purchases to meet demand.”

In 2024, Oxford Utilities introduced a texting platform to improve communication with its customers.

“We plan to use this system to notify customers if rolling blackouts are needed to reduce load,” Neely added. “It’s important for customers to provide updated contact information to ensure they receive timely notifications.”

For updates, call Oxford Utilities at 662-232-2373 or email utilities@oxfordms.net.

MSDH Issues Cold Weather Safety Guidelines

With prolonged freezing temperatures and possible winter precipitation in the forecast, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) urges residents to take precautions to ensure safety.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Do not use generators, gas, or charcoal grills indoors. Operate them outdoors and away from windows.
• Avoid burning items in improperly vented stoves or fireplaces.
• Never heat your home with a gas oven.
• Do not warm up a car in a closed garage. If your garage is attached to your house, close the door to the house while the car warms up.

Prevent Foodborne Illness

• Food in your refrigerator is safe if power is out for less than four hours. Keep doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold temperatures.
• After four hours, transfer perishables like milk, meat, eggs, and leftovers to a cooler with ice.
• A full freezer will keep food safe for up to 48 hours; a half-full freezer for 24 hours.
• During a boil-water alert, use bottled, boiled, or treated water. Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute to kill harmful bacteria and parasites.

Stay Healthy Outdoors

• Drink warm liquids, avoiding caffeine or alcohol.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, slurred speech, memory loss, stumbling, or drowsiness.
• Be alert for frostbite, which begins with a pins-and-needles sensation followed by numbness.
• If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol, as these can worsen symptoms.