A cold gray sky hangs low over Memphis this morning, with a damp chill signaling the start of a tricky winter pattern. By afternoon, rain will mix with sleet and freezing drizzle — the kind that turns wet pavement into black ice before you realize it.
The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a Special Weather Statement for eastern Arkansas, northwest Mississippi, and west Tennessee, warning that a light wintry mix will develop by late afternoon and continue through Thursday evening. Though accumulations are expected to stay light — generally less than a half inch — even a thin glaze could make travel hazardous, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
Temperatures will hover near 32°F to 35°F, dropping toward freezing after sunset. Roads that appear wet may actually be icy in shaded areas or higher elevations. Visibility could also be reduced in sleet and light snow bursts, especially along I-40, I-240, and Highway 78.
By Friday morning, skies will slowly clear as highs reach the low 40s, but the chill lingers. The weekend brings a reprieve, with sunshine Saturday and highs around 50°F, before another weak system brushes the region late Sunday.
Meteorologists note early signs of a broader Arctic shift next week (December 11–17), when colder air may dive south again — a setup that could bring more widespread winter weather across the Mid-South and Mississippi Valley just ahead of holiday travel surges.
Five-Day Outlook (Memphis, TN):
- Thursday: Rain/sleet mix; high 38°F, low 29°F.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy; high 42°F, low 33°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny; high 50°F, low 40°F.
- Sunday: Chance of light showers; high 50°F, low 31°F.
- Monday: Sunny and cool; high 49°F.
