Memphis, Tennessee – A widespread Arctic cold pattern is expected to take hold across the Mid-South beginning Thursday, bringing a prolonged stretch of unusually cold temperatures, icy travel risks, and the potential for snow through the following Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of the Mid-South is favored to experience below-normal temperatures during the Jan. 15–21 period as Arctic air surges south and settles across the region. States most impacted include Tennessee, Arkansas, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, and portions of Missouri and Kentucky. While precipitation is expected to remain near seasonal averages, the colder air will allow even light snowfall or freezing moisture to create hazardous conditions.
In West Tennessee and eastern Arkansas, including Memphis, Jonesboro, and surrounding communities, overnight lows could fall into the teens with wind chills dropping even lower. These conditions increase the risk of frozen pipes and slick roads along Interstate 40, Interstate 55, and major state highways, particularly during early morning commute hours.
Northern Mississippi and northern Alabama are also expected to see some of the coldest air of the season. Areas such as Tupelo, Corinth, Huntsville, and Florence may experience repeated overnight freezing, raising concerns for black ice on bridges and overpasses along U.S. 72, U.S. 45, and Interstate 65. In Kentucky and southern Missouri, similar cold could lead to icy conditions on rural and elevated roadways.
Residents across the Mid-South are urged to prepare by checking heating systems, insulating exposed plumbing, and stocking vehicles with winter emergency supplies. Limiting non-essential travel overnight and early in the morning may be necessary if icy conditions develop.
Cold-related advisories and winter weather alerts may expand as confidence increases, with additional updates expected as the Arctic pattern becomes firmly established across the Mid-South late next week.
