The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory in Memphis that is in effect until the wee hours of Tuesday. According to the NWS weather update, southeast winds are howling through at a daunting 25 to 35 mph, with wind gusts possibly reaching up to 55 mph. This advisory sweeps across parts of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, and West Tennessee, putting outdoor objects and tree limbs at the mercy of nature's bluster.

In response to the advisory, which states that "gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects," residents should take measures to secure anything in their yards that could take flight. Driving could also become an adventure of its own, especially for those maneuvering high profile vehicles. The NWS cautions to use extra caution. Forecasts predict a potential for showers and thunderstorms later today, with odds increasing closer to 5:00 p.m., but only at a 10 percent chance. However, winds are expected to remain wild, with gusts that might reach 45 mph.

The situation turns wet and wild tonight when showers and thunderstorms take charge before midnight. As they usher in the potential for heavy rainfall, the winds are not expected to back down, churning out south winds at 25 to 35 mph, calming only slightly to 10 to 20 mph after midnight. The NWS warns of a guaranteed 100% chance of precipitation, bringing in new rainfall amounts that could tally up between 1 and 2 inches.

Looking ahead, Tuesday promises a reprieve with mostly sunny skies and a less aggressive west southwest wind at 10 to 15 mph. As night falls on Tuesday, the near-clear sky heralds a drop in temperatures, with lows settling around 39 degrees. The rest of the week is set to follow suit with sunny days and partly cloudy nights as temperatures gently climb, aiming for a cozy high of 79 degrees by Sunday.