Tennessee – Cold air bites hard across the Mid-South this morning, turning breath into clouds and stiffening hands within seconds. The chill settles into streets and river valleys, making even short trips outside feel punishing as winter tightens its grip.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through midday. Wind chills have ranged from around 10 above to 10 below zero across parts of West Tennessee, East Arkansas, and North Mississippi, creating dangerous exposure conditions during early travel hours.
In Memphis, temperatures hover in the teens with a light breeze keeping the cold sharp. Roads appear mostly dry, but refreezing remains a threat. Any moisture left from earlier melting can turn slick fast, especially on bridges, ramps, and shaded streets. Drivers should slow down and expect sudden icy patches, particularly early and after sunset.
The cold eases gradually Wednesday. Sunshine helps push highs into the lower 30s, offering modest relief, though nights remain bitter. Pipes, pets, and unprotected plumbing stay at risk as temperatures dip back into the teens and single digits outside the urban core.
By Thursday, a noticeable warm-up arrives. Highs climb into the mid-30s, then into the 40s by Friday. That shift improves comfort but introduces new concerns. Daytime thawing followed by nighttime cooling can still cause flash freezing on untreated surfaces.
Looking ahead toward the weekend, cooler air returns with highs dropping back into the 20s. Winter patterns remain active across the region, even as longer-range outlooks hint at broader temperature swings into early February.
Limit time outdoors today, dress in layers, and check on neighbors who may need help. Traveling early or late? How cold did it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Memphis, Tennessee
- Tuesday: Sunny but dangerously cold early. High near 32.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cold. High near 33.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, slightly milder. High near 35.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 22.
- Saturday: Sunny and cold. High near 21.
