Summer humidity and spotty storms making a return

SUMMARY: It’s been getting warmer here, but the humidity has been tolerable to be outside. Now get ready for that summer humidity to move into the region for the rest of the workweek along with those spotty summertime showers & storms. TUESDAY: Another warm day ahead for us with highs in the lower 90s with a mix of sun and…

After Confederate monument’s removal from Lowndes County Courthouse, local leaders hope it can be replaced with positive symbol

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Crews hired by Lowndes County are in the process of cleaning out the excess concrete and covering the hole where the Confederate statues outside of the courthouse once stood. On Saturday, Columbus Marble Works crews finished removing the statues that stood as a memorial to fallen Confederate soldiers for more than one hundred years in Downtown…

Public pools are thrilled to reopen by Memorial Day

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Much of the world shut down last year; including community swimming pools. With summer just around the corner and many COVID-19 restrictions gone, those places to cool off are opening again. Pools aren’t up and available yet, but kids and families will be able to enjoy summer fun by the end of the week. Even splash pads…

Warm & getting humid as we begin a new workweek

SUMMARY: Temperatures this week will continue to rise into the upper 80s and lower 90s. Staying dry with a mix of sun & clouds for the first half of the workweek will make way for the return of afternoon summertime shower or thunderstorms mid to late week. Southerly winds will allow the humidity to increase also across the area midweek…

Warmer Weather Sticks Around, Humidity Increases Midweek Followed by a Few Chances for Showers

SUMMARY: Temperatures this week will continue to rise into the upper 80s and lower 90s. Some partly cloudy skies the first half of the workweek will make way for some slight chances for an isolated shower or thunderstorm Wednesday through Sunday. Southerly flow will allow moisture to increase across the area midweek into the weekend. TONIGHT: Remaining dry with lows…

Warm and Dry for the Next Several Days

SUMMARY: High pressure continues to dominate over the Deep South for the weekend into the middle of the work week. Temperatures will linger in the low 90s with rising humidity levels by the early work week. Next chance for isolated/spot showers looks to be Wednesday into Saturday. TONIGHT: Some clouds will remain over the area but comfortable conditions with lows…

CPD received an emergency grant for security cameras

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus Police Department is getting an extra set of eyes to keep the community safe. Soon, you’ll see new patrol cameras around the Friendly City. Chief Fred Shelton says in the last city council meeting Mayor Robert Smith approved funding for 12 new cameras to be installed. Devices will be put up around high-risk areas…

A sunny but warm weekend is ahead for us

SUMMARY: A huge ridge of high pressure will give the Deep South a lot of sunshine, but very warm temperatures through the weekend into nearly next week. Humidity levels are going to remain tolerable. Use lots of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Some isolated to scattered daytime heating afternoon storms could return by the midweek. TROPICS: NOAA released their…

Suicide and addiction-related deaths on the rise in Mississippi, mental health expert says people need better access to treatment

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Thursday is the very first Mental Health Action Day, a time meant to focus on raising awareness of the various mental health needs all across the country and how to give people the help they need. “To understand what to say to someone when they look at you in the eye and they talk about ending…

Bruce telephone company to provide high speed internet through ‘We Connect’

BRUCE, MISS. (WCBI) – A Calhoun County business will provide high-speed internet to people in rural Southeastern Pontotoc County. “We Connect” a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bruce Telephone, will get one point six million dollars to provide high-speed internet to an underserved area in Pontotoc County. The census bureau determines which areas are lacking broadband access, and companies were able to…

Elementary school celebrates surviving COVID with field day

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The last week of school is always bittersweet. For teachers and their students, this year has not been textbook. Despite the challenges, educators have been able to overcome and deserve the highest of grades. Over the past year, both the staff and students at Sale Elementary showed the community that COVID wasn’t going to stop them…

Partnership Middle School students are celebrating music and culture

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Starkville students are celebrating music and culture. The world languages and music classes at the Partnership Middle School participated in a World Drumming Class with percussionist, Dr. Robert Damm today. The presentation focused on the theme of “Peace.” The students will be played authentic instruments from around the world, along with bucket drums donated by…

Mayoral candidates shared ideas today with the Exchange Club of Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Some of the candidates vying to become the next mayor of Columbus share their ideas today. The Exchange Club of Columbus offered the opportunity to the candidates. Keith Gaskin and Montrell Coburn were there to talk to the members. They discussed the city’s image and the city’s finances. Crime was also a big topic. Gaskin and…

NOAA calling for an above average hurricane season for 2021

TROPICS: NOAA released their Atlantic Hurricane Season 2021 Forecast on Thursday. They are calling for an above average season once again with 13-20 named storms, 6-10 of them could become hurricanes. 3-5 of those could become major Category 3 or higher hurricanes. This comes as no surprise as they recently updated their average hurricane season numbers based off the data…