DeSoto County Rain Returns Friday After Hot, Dry Stretch
Relief is finally in the forecast. DeSoto County rain chances jump to 90% on Friday, Oct. 2, as a weak cold front ends a long run of hot, mostly dry weather, according to the National Weather Service in Memphis. One more day of lower-90s heat comes first on Thursday, followed by off-and-on showers through the weekend and noticeably cooler air by Monday.
Thursday: One More Hot Day
Thursday, Oct. 1, is expected to be mostly sunny around Hernando with a high near 92 and a south wind of 10 to 15 mph. Forecasters said above-normal temperatures will hang on one more day across much of the Mid-South before the pattern changes. Clouds build Thursday night, with a low around 72.
DeSoto County Rain Forecast for Friday and the Weekend
Here is the weather service forecast for the Hernando area:
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 7 a.m. (90% chance). High near 83, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. A quarter to a half inch of rain is possible.
- Friday night: 50% chance of showers and storms, low around 64. Another quarter to half inch is possible.
- Saturday: 50% chance of showers, cloudy, high near 77.
- Saturday night: 40% chance of showers and storms, low around 62.
- Sunday: 40% chance of showers and storms, high near 76.
- Monday: Sunny and pleasant, high near 78 and a low around 53 Monday night.
The weather service said weak wind shear and limited instability should keep severe weather in check. Friday morning commuters on I-55, I-69 and Goodman Road should still plan for wet roads, slower traffic and reduced visibility in heavier downpours.
In its Thursday forecast discussion, the Memphis office said total rainfall through the period should average 1 to 1.5 inches for areas south of I-40, which includes DeSoto County. A second wave of showers is expected Saturday afternoon and Saturday night before high pressure brings drier, seasonable weather.
Rain Won’t End the Drought
Forecasters were clear that this rain will help, but it will not erase the dry spell. The weather service said the expected totals are not likely to make up for the large rainfall deficits that have built up across the region.
The U.S. Drought Monitor’s most recent county data, valid Sept. 22, shows 100% of DeSoto County in moderate drought (D1). That is up sharply from about 31.5% of the county on Sept. 1.
DeSoto County is not on the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s burn ban list as of the agency’s Sept. 29 update. However, neighboring Tate and Marshall counties are under bans, along with much of north Mississippi. Residents who do burn should keep fires small, watch the wind, keep water nearby and never leave a fire unattended. The forestry commission notes that wind can carry embers up to half a mile.
Cooler Air Arrives Next Week
Behind the front, highs are expected to settle in the 70s to near 80, with lows in the 50s early next week. That is closer to normal for early October and good timing for outdoor fall plans, including the county’s 2026 Fall Cleanup, Oct. 10-18.
Forecasts can change. Check the National Weather Service Memphis office for updates before heading out Friday.
Related: DeSoto County Weather: Dry Week, Rain Chances by Friday
Source: National Weather Service Memphis forecast; NWS Memphis forecast discussion; U.S. Drought Monitor; Mississippi Forestry Commission
