Weather
Mid-South Weather Alert: Tennessee-Arkansas Hard Freeze Below 28° Nov 14-15
Memphis, TN – A sharp November temperature reversal is putting the Mid South on alert as temperatures could plunge below 28 degrees this weekend. Less than a month after temperatures reached the lower
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-11-12T12:08:33.570Z
Memphis, TN – A sharp November temperature reversal is putting the Mid South on alert as temperatures could plunge below 28 degrees this weekend. Less than a month after temperatures reached the lower 90s, a much colder air mass is spreading across Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a hard freeze is likely across much of western Tennessee and portions of northeastern Arkansas and northeastern Mississippi this weekend.
The agency's latest outlook highlights Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, as the primary periods of concern.
Forecasters indicate a 60% or greater probability of temperatures falling below 28 degrees across much of western Tennessee and selected portions of neighboring states.
Hard Freeze Threat Expands Across the Mid South The approaching cold air represents a dramatic seasonal shift for communities accustomed to warmer conditions earlier this fall.
A hard freeze generally involves temperatures dropping to 28 degrees or colder, potentially damaging sensitive vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
The NWS probability maps show the greatest concern across much of western Tennessee, while risks vary considerably across Arkansas and Mississippi.
Communities around Memphis, Jackson, Jonesboro and northern Mississippi should monitor their local temperature outlooks.
Not every location faces the same probability of reaching 28 degrees.
Saturday morning could bring freezing conditions to several communities, with another opportunity for significant cold Sunday morning.
From Lower 90s to Below 28 Degrees The temperature contrast is particularly striking.
The Memphis weather office noted that parts of the region experienced temperatures in the lower 90s less than a month ago.
Now, some communities face the possibility of readings more than 60 degrees colder.
That shift could catch residents off guard, especially those who have not completed seasonal preparations.
Gardeners should protect sensitive plants, bring potted vegetation indoors and consider covering vulnerable outdoor growth.
Pet owners should also prepare warm indoor shelter before temperatures fall.
Weekend Freeze Could Affect Homes and Gardens A hard freeze can damage remaining warm season plants and create problems for exposed plumbing.
Residents should consider disconnecting garden hoses, protecting vulnerable outdoor faucets and checking exposed pipes.
The coldest conditions are expected during the early morning hours Saturday and Sunday, although exact temperatures will vary by location.
Drivers should also remain aware that moisture on bridges and shaded roads can freeze when pavement temperatures drop sufficiently.
However, the supplied NWS outlook does not establish a widespread ice or snow event.
Mid South Five Day Weather Outlook: Nov. 12 16 Thursday, Nov. 12: A colder air mass continues spreading across the region. Local temperatures vary. Friday, Nov. 13: Cold conditions become an increasing concern ahead of the weekend freeze potential. Saturday, Nov. 14: Hard freeze potential during the morning, with temperatures below 28°F possible in affected communities. Sunday, Nov. 15: Another morning of hard freeze potential. The NWS highlights significant probabilities across much of western Tennessee and parts of neighboring states. Monday, Nov. 16: The supplied outlook does not provide specific temperatures or precipitation probabilities for Monday. The broader national weather pattern supports a significant cold outbreak across the central and eastern United States.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center expects below freezing temperatures to reach portions of the Deep South by Saturday morning.
Looking toward Thanksgiving, residents should continue monitoring updated outlooks for additional cold spells. The current information does not establish a specific holiday snowstorm.
How cold is your neighborhood expected to get this weekend? Are you covering plants or preparing outdoor pipes for the first significant freeze? Share your preparations below.