MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After soaking rains brought much-needed drought relief to parts of the Mid-South, a dramatic warming trend is set to take hold this week, sending temperatures soaring into the 70s and potentially near 80 degrees in some communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, dry and increasingly warm conditions will settle in beginning Monday and continue through at least Friday evening.
High temperatures Monday will already feel mild for mid-February. Jackson is forecast to reach 66 degrees, Memphis 64, Oxford 67, and Tupelo near 69 degrees. Jonesboro and Kennett are expected to top out around 61 and 60 degrees, respectively.
The warming trend accelerates Tuesday. Highs are projected to climb to 69 degrees in Jackson, 68 in Memphis, 70 in Oxford, and 71 in Tupelo. Jonesboro and Kennett should reach the mid-60s.
By Wednesday, much of the region will break into the lower 70s. Forecast highs include 71 in Jackson and Memphis, 72 in Jonesboro and Oxford, 70 in Kennett, and 74 degrees in Tupelo.
The peak of the warmth is expected Thursday. Jackson and Oxford could reach 78 degrees, while Memphis is forecast to hit 76. Jonesboro may climb to 75 degrees, Kennett to 74, and Tupelo could surge to 79 degrees — approaching the 80-degree mark.
Even Friday remains unseasonably warm, with highs still in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Tupelo is forecast near 75 degrees, Oxford around 72, Memphis near 67, Jackson about 68, and Jonesboro and Kennett around 61 degrees.
These temperatures run well above average for mid-February, when normal highs typically range from the low to mid-50s across the region.
The warm, dry stretch follows widespread rainfall over the past 24 hours, with some of the heaviest totals reported along and north of Interstate 40. Northwest Fulton, Mississippi recorded 3.40 inches, while several communities saw between 2 and nearly 3 inches of rain. Forecasters say the rainfall has helped ease ongoing drought conditions in portions of the Mid-South.
With dry skies expected through much of the week, residents can anticipate several days of springlike weather — ideal for outdoor activities but also a reminder that allergy season may begin to ramp up early.
While no significant storm systems are currently in the immediate forecast, officials recommend staying updated as weather patterns can shift quickly this time of year.
For now, the Mid-South appears headed for a prolonged taste of spring in the heart of winter.
