Memphis, Tenn. – The Mid-South’s brief break from intense summer heat is underway, but the cooler stretch is already on borrowed time. Residents across western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, eastern Arkansas and southeast Missouri can expect afternoon highs in the 80s and lower 90s through Saturday before a sharp warming trend pushes temperatures back into the upper 90s early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, isolated afternoon rain showers remain possible each day through Saturday, helping keep temperatures slightly below recent levels. Forecasters say the pattern shifts this weekend as hotter and more humid air builds back into the region, increasing the likelihood that heat advisories will once again become necessary.
Temperatures are expected to climb steadily beginning Sunday. Memphis is forecast to reach around 96 degrees Sunday before nearing 98 Monday and remaining in the upper 90s into Tuesday. Similar conditions are expected across much of the Mid-South, including Jackson, Tennessee; Tupelo, Mississippi; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Dyersburg, Tennessee, with many communities approaching or exceeding the upper 90s.
The return of hotter weather will increase heat stress during the afternoon and early evening hours. Anyone spending time outdoors should stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during peak heating, wear lightweight clothing and check on older adults, children and pets. Drivers should also remember never to leave children or animals unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly.
The cooler pattern is expected to hold through Saturday before the heat intensifies Sunday and continues into early next week. Additional heat advisories may be issued as confidence increases in the hotter conditions.
Five-Day Forecast for Memphis, Tennessee
- Thursday: High 88°, isolated showers possible.
- Friday: High 90°, isolated showers possible.
- Saturday: High 92°, isolated showers possible.
- Sunday: High 96°, hotter and more humid.
- Monday: High 98°, dangerous heat returns with heat advisories possible.
