Air Quality
Mississippi air quality meets federal standards statewide, with ozone the main summertime concern.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored Mississippi counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
Wildfires
Wildfires burn roughly 15,000 acres in Mississippi in a typical year, far less than western states.
- •Mississippi's humid climate limits wildfire risk compared to drier western states.
Drought
About 20% of Mississippi was experiencing drought conditions in 2024.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
- •Mississippi's droughts have periodically lowered water levels on the Mississippi River, disrupting barge traffic.
Water Usage
Delta irrigation and aquaculture dominate Mississippi water use, drawing on the alluvial aquifer.
Emissions
Mississippi emits about 13 metric tons of CO2 per resident annually, below the national average.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOMSA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOMSA).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions per capita | 13 | 14.5 |
- •Mississippi's heavy reliance on natural gas keeps its per-capita emissions below many industrial states.
Climate Indicators
Hurricanes, extreme heat and rising Gulf sea levels are Mississippi’s principal climate risks.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
- •Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005.