Tennessee – Cold air bites early across the Mid-South as clear skies and light winds allow temperatures to drop sharply before sunrise. Parked cars glisten with frost, breath hangs in the air, and untreated pavement cools fast, creating a brief but important winter travel concern.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, temperatures started near the low 30s with wind chills in the mid-20s. Sunshine helps later today, but bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads may stay slick through mid-morning. Drivers along I-40, I-55, and surface streets should slow down and watch for patchy frost early.
Conditions change quickly by Saturday. Southerly winds increase, pushing highs into the low 60s with gusts near 30 mph. That warmth melts lingering frost and dries roads, offering a solid window for travel and outdoor plans. Skies remain mostly sunny through the day, keeping visibility high.
By Sunday, clouds increase and temperatures ease back into the mid-50s. A developing system brings a chance of showers later Sunday into Monday. Rain coverage stays scattered, but wet pavement could slow traffic during peak travel hours. No winter precipitation is expected locally, though the warm-to-wet transition signals a more active December pattern.
Looking ahead, temperatures continue rising early next week, with highs climbing into the upper 60s and near 70 by midweek. Meteorologists are watching a larger national shift that could send colder air south after Christmas. That raises early questions about a possible rain-to-cold setup for travelers returning home later next week.
For now, use caution during the cold morning hours, plan extra time early, and stay flexible as weather patterns evolve. Christmas travel plans coming together? Let us know what conditions you’re seeing on the roads.
Five Day Outlook for Memphis, Tennessee
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 61
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 54
• Monday: Chance of showers, high near 57
• Tuesday: Chance of showers, high near 67
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 70
