By Sarah Cook

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — While talks of wintry weather flurry through the air, the National Weather Service in Jackson said chances of snowfall in Natchez next week are slim.

Residents can expect low temperatures and rain, though.

“We might see some flurries (Tuesday), but as far as any accumulation is concerned, there is not a real chance,” said Alan Campbell, meteorologist with the Jackson Weather Service.

With temperatures reaching mid to upper 60s this weekend, then dipping back into the lower 40s Monday and Tuesday, Campbell said cold, rainy weather is what the Miss-Lou area can expect.

“Early Tuesday morning, there could be a small chance of a changeover (from rain) to some flurries or light snow showers, but those chances are extremely low,” said Campbell, adding that a northern artic air mass is to blame for the area’s recent cold spell.

North Mississippi, however, may see a few flurries early next week, Campbell said. And while chances of snow for Natchez are low, cold weather could prolong the blooming of a favorite Natchez flower. Azaleas, which usually bloom in March and early April, may remain dormant because of cold temperatures.

“They’re in the tight bud stage right now,” explained Dick Thompson of Live Oak Landscapes. “I haven’t seen any come into bloom yet.”

Renowned for their beauty, azaleas are an annual complement to Natchez’s Spring Pilgrimage, which begins March 7.

Thompson said cold weather could delay the flower’s debut, though.

However, Japanese magnolia flowers, red maple trees and flowering crab apple trees are beginning to bloom despite low temperatures, Thompson said.

“Pilgrimage was planned back in the 1930s during spring because of all the flowers that bloom,” Thompson. “So, we’re hoping the azaleas bloom in time.”