Weather
West Tennessee Weather Alert: 42° to 83° Swing Oct 18-22
Memphis, TN – A noticeable weather reversal is approaching the Memphis area, with chilly weekend mornings giving way to increasingly warm afternoons across the Mid South next week. Temperatures are ex
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-16T09:34:32.628Z
Memphis, TN – A noticeable weather reversal is approaching the Memphis area, with chilly weekend mornings giving way to increasingly warm afternoons across the Mid South next week. Temperatures are expected to fall into the lower 40s early Sunday, October 18, before climbing steadily through the 70s and eventually reaching the lower 80s by Wednesday and Thursday. The transition will bring a 41 degree difference between Sunday's projected morning low and Thursday's afternoon high, creating a distinctly different feel across several days.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, the local forecast calls for a low near 42 degrees Saturday night into Sunday morning, followed by a sunny afternoon with temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees. The warming trend continues Monday, October 19, with a high near 73 degrees, before temperatures climb to 77 Tuesday, 81 Wednesday and 83 Thursday. The forecast shows an extended period of dry conditions, with sunshine dominating much of the upcoming week.
Chilly Sunday Morning Gives Way to Warmer Weather Sunday will begin with some of the coolest temperatures in the supplied forecast period, particularly for residents heading outdoors before sunrise. The projected low of 42 degrees represents a sharp contrast to the warmer conditions experienced earlier in the week. Light east winds around 5 mph are expected, allowing temperatures to recover steadily under sunny skies during the afternoon.
By Monday, temperatures are expected to reach the lower 70s as sunshine continues across the Memphis area. Morning conditions will remain relatively cool, with Sunday night's low near 47 degrees, but the afternoon will feel noticeably warmer than Saturday's projected high of 64 degrees. This gradual recovery marks the beginning of a sustained warming pattern rather than a brief, single day temperature increase.
The warming trend becomes more pronounced Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday's high is forecast near 77 degrees, followed by approximately 81 degrees Wednesday. By Thursday, temperatures could reach 83 degrees, representing a 19 degree increase in afternoon highs compared with Saturday. Although the temperature difference between Sunday morning and Thursday afternoon reaches 41 degrees, that change unfolds over several days rather than occurring suddenly.
What the Temperature Shift Means for Residents The changing conditions could require different clothing choices for early morning commuters and afternoon travelers. Residents leaving home before sunrise Sunday may need jackets, while lighter clothing should become more comfortable during the afternoons later in the week. The contrast will be particularly noticeable for people working outdoors or attending morning and afternoon events.
Drivers traveling Interstate 40, Interstate 55 and Interstate 240 should generally encounter favorable weather during the Sunday through Thursday period, based on the supplied local forecast. No precipitation is indicated during that stretch, and no snow, ice or severe thunderstorm threat appears in the available Memphis forecast. However, the forecast does not independently establish actual road conditions or guarantee that travel disruptions will not occur.
The warmer pattern follows a breezy Friday, when northwesterly winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Saturday will remain cooler, with north northeast winds around 15 mph and gusts reaching 25 mph. Winds are expected to diminish Saturday night, setting up clearer and calmer conditions ahead of Sunday's chilly start.
Sunshine Expected to Continue Through Thursday The extended outlook points toward several consecutive days of sunshine, with no additional rain chances listed through Thursday, October 22. Overnight temperatures will gradually recover alongside the afternoon warmth, rising from the lower 40s early Sunday to the middle 50s by early Thursday.
For residents planning outdoor work, recreation or travel, the forecast suggests increasingly comfortable afternoon temperatures throughout the week. Those planning early morning activities should still prepare for cooler conditions, especially Sunday and Monday.
The National Weather Service forecast does not identify another significant weather hazard during the available extended period. Conditions beyond Thursday remain outside the supplied local forecast, and longer range developments will require additional updates.
Are you looking forward to the return of temperatures in the 80s, or would you rather keep the cooler fall weather?
Five Day Weather Outlook Saturday 10/17: Partly sunny skies should gradually become sunny, with a high near 64 degrees and north northeast winds around 15 mph, gusting to 25 mph; clear skies Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall to approximately 42 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: A chilly morning near 42 degrees gives way to sunshine and an afternoon high around 70 degrees, with light east winds near 5 mph; mostly clear skies follow Sunday night, with temperatures dropping to 47 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Sunny skies continue as afternoon temperatures climb to approximately 73 degrees, accompanied by southeast winds around 5 mph; mostly clear conditions are expected Monday night, with a low near 50 degrees.
Tuesday 10/20: Temperatures rise to approximately 77 degrees under sunny skies, extending the warming trend across the Memphis area; clear skies are expected Tuesday night, with temperatures falling to around 52 degrees.
Wednesday 10/21: Another sunny afternoon is expected, with temperatures reaching approximately 81 degrees; clear conditions continue Wednesday night, with a low near 54 degrees as warmer weather persists into Thursday.
Extended Weather Outlook Thursday, October 22: Sunny skies are expected, with an afternoon high near 83 degrees.