Voters heading to the polls Tuesday should plan around the weather. The DeSoto County Election Day forecast from the National Weather Service in Memphis calls for showers and thunderstorms becoming likely by Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 3, with gusty south winds and the heaviest rain arriving Tuesday night after polls close.
The wet midweek setup follows a soggy Halloween weekend that is ending what forecasters described as a month of arid weather across the Mid-South in October.
DeSoto County Election Day Forecast at a Glance
As of Saturday afternoon, the NWS point forecast for the Hernando area shows:
Tuesday morning: A slight chance of rain showers before noon, mostly cloudy, with temperatures in the mid-70s.
Tuesday afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms likely, with a 60% chance of rain. Temperatures fall from a high near 76 to around 72.
Wind: South-southeast at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms, with an 80% chance of rain and a low around 59.
Wednesday: A 50% chance of more showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 70.
Polls in Mississippi are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so the drier part of the day looks to be the morning and early afternoon. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. may still vote.
How Much Rain Could Fall?
In its Saturday forecast discussion, the Memphis NWS office said it expects about another inch of rain across the region Tuesday into Wednesday. Forecasters cautioned that confidence is low on exact amounts because a stalling cold front and a weak area of low pressure are expected to hang over the region. That setup could lead to much more or much less rain than expected in any one spot. Some model guidance shows close to 1.5 inches over the two days.
The NWS said drier, mild weather should return late in the week. Lows are forecast to fall into the 40s by next weekend.
Before That: Rain Tonight and Sunday
Closer in, scattered showers are expected Saturday evening during trick-or-treating, with showers and thunderstorms becoming likely after about 10 p.m. The NWS forecast calls for half an inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain overnight. Rain showers are likely again Sunday before 4 p.m., with a high near 70. Monday looks mostly cloudy and dry, with a high near 74.
Daylight saving time also ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, so clocks fall back one hour. The NWS suggests using the time change as a reminder to check batteries in smoke detectors and NOAA weather radios, which is useful ahead of a stormy stretch.
Tips for Voting in Wet Weather
Go early if you can. Morning hours look to have the lowest rain chances.
Bring your photo ID. Mississippi requires an acceptable photo ID to vote.
Know your polling place. DeSoto County voters can look up their location and sample ballot on the county elections page or call the circuit clerk’s office at 662-469-8007.
Drive carefully. The first heavy rain after a long dry spell can leave roads slick from oil buildup. Slow down and leave extra room on I-55, I-69, I-269 and Goodman Road.
Stay weather-aware. Check the latest forecast Tuesday morning, since timing could shift.
