Tennessee – Bright sunshine will dominate the first half of the day, but don’t let the calm start fool you. The atmosphere turns noticeably more active as the week unfolds, with repeated rounds of thunderstorms capable of slowing travel and interrupting outdoor plans across the Mid-South.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, dry weather and a high near 89 degrees will give way to a much wetter pattern beginning Tuesday. Thunderstorm chances increase to 60 percent Tuesday afternoon and evening, with showers and storms expected to become more widespread before gradually diminishing later in the night.
Drivers along Interstate 40, Interstate 55, Interstate 240 and U.S. Highway 78 should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions Tuesday and Wednesday. Heavy downpours may briefly reduce visibility and create standing water on roadways. While widespread severe weather is not currently expected, a few stronger storms could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and localized heavy rainfall.
The unsettled pattern continues Wednesday with another 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 88 degrees. By Thursday, storm coverage decreases to around 40 percent, while temperatures climb back toward 90 degrees. Friday turns hotter with only isolated afternoon storms and highs around 92 degrees before weekend temperatures reach the mid-90s under mostly sunny skies.
National weather discussions continue to highlight an active corridor of thunderstorms stretching across parts of the Midwest and Tennessee Valley. While the greatest severe weather threat remains north and west of Memphis, locally heavy rain and lightning remain the primary concerns for the Mid-South through midweek.
If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye on the sky and have a backup indoor option ready. Allow extra travel time when storms develop, and never drive through water covering the roadway.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures during the next 6 to 10 days, suggesting a stronger summer heat pattern will settle into the region after the midweek storm chances fade.
Five-Day Forecast for Memphis, Tennessee
- Today: Sunny. High 89°F. Low 72°F.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after midday. 60% chance of rain. High 88°F. Low 71°F.
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. 60% chance of rain. High 88°F. Low 73°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 90°F. Low 74°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 92°F. Low 75°F.
