Will an Omega block rain on Mother’s Day? See the MS forecast

If you’ve ever wondered what an Omega block was, you’re living through it now.

The term describes the weather pattern where a jet stream moves in the shape of the Greek letter Omega (Ω). High pressure south of the jet stream pushes up to create the shape. Instead of the weather system moving east to west, it is blocked and can just sit in the same spot for days.

Thanks to the current Omega block, the Mississippi Coast will see scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday, May 8, through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.

The National Weather Service’s detailed forecast says the chance of showers and thunderstorms will be 50% on Mother’s Day, with partly sunny skies, a high near 78 degrees and a light breeze.

According to the National Weather Service, the area will be “mostly clear, with a low around 64” by Monday. Thunder storms will move on by Monday, but you may still need your umbrella. The chances of rain will drop to 20% in the morning and 30% in the afternoon.

The daily storms mean the area could see flooding, strong winds and even hail.

Mona Moore

Sun Herald

Mona Moore was a Service Journalism Desk Editor for the Sun Herald in Mississippi; Mahoning Matters in Ohio; and the Ledger-Enquirer and Telegraph in Georgia. Originally from West Covina, California, she holds a bachelor’s and master’s in corporate and public communication from the University of South Alabama. Mona’s writing and photography have been recognized by press associations in Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida.