Memphis, Tennessee – Residents across the Mid-South have two weather hazards to prepare for today as dangerous heat settles into the region while isolated severe thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts during the afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, an Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory take effect at 11 a.m. Sunday, with heat index values expected to exceed 105 degrees across much of West Tennessee, North Mississippi, East Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel. Some communities could see peak heat index values between 110 and 114 degrees through Tuesday, creating a heightened risk of heat-related illness.
A separate weather concern develops between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., when isolated severe thunderstorms are possible across the region. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Mid-South under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe weather. The primary hazard will be damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph associated with a weakening storm complex moving from northwest to southeast. Large hail and tornadoes are not expected, while localized flooding remains a minor concern.
Cities including Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, Union City, Paris, Jonesboro, Oxford, Tupelo and Clarksdale should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Anyone outdoors should monitor weather alerts, secure loose outdoor items and move indoors immediately if thunderstorms approach.
The greater concern through early this week remains the prolonged heat. Forecast heat index values include 114 degrees in Jackson, Tennessee, on Monday, 113 degrees in Paris and Dyersburg, and 112 degrees in Memphis on Tuesday. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing and never leave children or pets inside vehicles, where temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
The heat wave is expected to continue through at least Tuesday before conditions gradually become less extreme later in the week. Additional heat products could be extended if dangerous temperatures persist.
Five-Day Forecast for Memphis, Tennessee
- Sunday: High in the mid-90s. Isolated severe thunderstorms possible 2–10 p.m. Heat index near 110°.
- Monday: Hotter with highs in the upper 90s. Heat index around 109–114°. Very limited rain chances.
- Tuesday: Highs near 100°. Heat index around 112°. Continued dangerous heat.
- Wednesday: Hot but slightly less extreme. Heat index near 101°.
- Thursday: Highs in the mid-90s with heat index easing into the upper 90s.
