NATCHEZ — Residents have no need to be surprised by recent warm temperatures experienced in the Miss-Lou.

Today’s forecast of 68 degrees is not unusual for this time of year, said Senior Meteorologist Mike Edmonston with The National Weather Service.

In fact, on this day last year the high in Natchez was the same temperature— 68 degrees. Records of the highest temperature on this date are not available because Natchez is not a major climate site. Thus, the National Weather Service does not have an observer in the area to keep records of highs and lows.

The record high in Vicksburg, which is recognized as a major climate site, was 79 degrees on this date in 1982.

Miss-Lou residents should prepare for lower temperatures in the near future, however, as the end of January and the first half of February are typically the coldest time of the year for this area, Edmonston said.

Colder temperatures are expected over the weekend, as a low-pressure system going over the Gulf of Mexico will bring rain this Thursday and Friday. Edmonston said the rain could cause Saturday’s temperature to drop to the mid-30 degrees.