Memphis, Tennessee – The Memphis area is facing a dangerous one-two punch Tuesday, with heat index values climbing as high as 118 degrees before strong to severe thunderstorms move in late this afternoon and continue into the overnight hours. The combination of life-threatening heat and the potential for damaging winds means residents should limit outdoor activity and closely monitor changing weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect while a Heat Advisory continues through 9 p.m. Tuesday. Air temperatures will reach the upper 90s, but high humidity will push heat index values into the 110 to 118-degree range across portions of west Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, north Mississippi and the Missouri Bootheel. The agency warns that heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly without proper precautions.
A second weather concern develops between 4 p.m. Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday, when scattered severe thunderstorms are expected across the Mid-South. The primary hazard will be damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, with hail up to quarter size also possible. While tornadoes are not expected, localized flooding could occur where heavy rain falls.
Communities including Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Jonesboro, Blytheville, Clarksdale and Tupelo should prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Travel along Interstate 40, Interstate 55, Interstate 240 and U.S. Highway 78 could become hazardous during heavy rain and strong winds this evening.
Residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Before storms arrive, secure outdoor furniture, charge electronic devices and ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight.
The severe weather threat is expected to diminish after 1 a.m. Wednesday, but dangerous heat will remain a concern across the Mid-South. Additional warnings or advisories may be issued as conditions evolve, so continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service.
