Weather
Memphis, TN Weather Oct. 16–20: 90° Heat Drops to 40s
Memphis, TN The Memphis area is heading toward a sharp October cooldown, with temperatures falling from near 90 degrees Thursday to chilly overnight lows in the 40s by the weekend before warmer weathe
By Erin Vale · 2026-10-14T10:08:57.966Z
Memphis, TN The Memphis area is heading toward a sharp October cooldown, with temperatures falling from near 90 degrees Thursday to chilly overnight lows in the 40s by the weekend before warmer weather returns next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a strong shift in weather conditions will bring gusty north winds Friday, followed by cooler temperatures and several days of sunshine across the Memphis metropolitan area.
The change will be particularly noticeable after Thursday, when temperatures are expected to reach approximately 90 degrees in Memphis.
By Friday afternoon, highs will fall to around 70 degrees, marking a 20 degree drop in just one day.
Gusty Winds Bring a Sharp Temperature Drop Friday will mark the beginning of the cooler stretch, with north winds increasing to 15 to 20 mph and gusts potentially reaching 30 mph.
Those winds will accompany a broader pattern change across the central United States as strong high pressure moves southward from Canada.
NOAA's Weather Prediction Center highlighted the developing cooldown Wednesday, noting that temperatures behind the advancing front could fall substantially across parts of the central U.S.
In Memphis, the colder air will become especially noticeable Friday night, when temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 48 degrees.
Saturday will bring sunshine, but afternoon temperatures will reach only around 66 degrees, a 24 degree difference from Thursday's expected high.
By Saturday night, temperatures could drop further to approximately 45 degrees, creating one of the chilliest periods in the supplied five day outlook.
Despite the sharp temperature decline, the Memphis forecast does not indicate freezing temperatures or a frost threat.
Sunshine Dominates as Warmer Weather Returns The cooler conditions should be relatively short lived.
Sunday will bring sunny skies and temperatures recovering into the lower 70s, providing more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
The warming trend continues into the new workweek, with mostly sunny skies and highs reaching approximately 75 degrees Monday.
By Tuesday, temperatures are expected to climb to around 79 degrees, bringing Memphis close to the 80 degree mark once again.
The five day period features a noticeable transition from breezy, cooler conditions to a gradual warming trend, with no precipitation indicated in the supplied Friday through Tuesday forecast.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for a location approximately 4 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, illustrating expected conditions in the Memphis metropolitan area. Surrounding communities may experience different temperatures.
Friday, Oct. 16: Mostly sunny and breezy, with north winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 30 mph. High near 70°. Overnight low around 48° under mostly clear skies, with gusty conditions continuing. Saturday, Oct. 17: Sunny and cooler, with northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph. High near 66°. Overnight low around 45° under clear skies. Sunday, Oct. 18: Sunny and warmer, with a high near 72°. Overnight low around 53° under mostly clear skies. Monday, Oct. 19: Mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 75°. Overnight low around 58° under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny with continued warming. High near 79°. Overnight low not available in the supplied forecast.