Tennessee – Damp streets and heavy gray clouds hang over Memphis this morning as warm March air pushes north across the Mid-South. Drivers heading along I-40 and I-55 are already noticing patches of wet pavement as scattered showers begin to develop.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops mainly between midday and early afternoon. Temperatures climb toward 79 degrees, helped by southwest winds around 10 to 15 mph.
Conditions remain relatively calm through the evening with partial clearing and a mild low near 63 degrees. That quiet stretch will not last long. Meteorologists are tracking a stronger storm system building across the southern Plains that will push toward the Mississippi Valley.
By Friday afternoon, scattered showers and thunderstorms begin developing again across the Memphis metro. Storm coverage expands Friday night as moisture deepens across the region.
The wettest period arrives Saturday when rain coverage reaches near 100 percent across west Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. Periods of rain and thunderstorms could create slick travel along Interstate 40, I-55, and Highway 61, especially during heavier downpours.
Plan extra travel time this weekend. Visibility may drop quickly when storms pass through Memphis, West Memphis, and Southaven.
Conditions gradually improve Sunday with only spotty showers early in the day. Skies begin clearing later with highs near 67 degrees and a cooler north breeze settling in.
Another big change arrives early Sunday morning. Clocks spring forward at 2 a.m. across Tennessee as Daylight Saving Time begins. Even with the lost hour of sleep, evenings will stay brighter longer through March.
Looking ahead, the Mid-South turns milder again early next week with temperatures returning to the mid-70s. Additional showers may redevelop by Monday and Tuesday as spring patterns strengthen.
Traveling across the Memphis area this weekend? Tell us what conditions look like where you are.
Five Day Outlook for Memphis, Tennessee
Friday: Partly sunny with scattered showers, high 82°F.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high 72°F.
Sunday: Chance of morning showers, then partial clearing, high 67°F.
Monday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, high 76°F.
Tuesday: Showers and storms possible, high 80°F.
