Memphis

Memphis Basks in Sunlight with Soaring Temperatures, Health Advisory Issued Due to Poor Air Quality

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Published on June 13, 2024
Memphis Basks in Sunlight with Soaring Temperatures, Health Advisory Issued Due to Poor Air QualitySource: Trevorbirchett, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The forecast in Memphis is clear for the coming days, with sunny skies and soaring temperatures expected to grace the region. According to the National Weather Service, today will be sunny with a high near 91 degrees and calm winds — ideal conditions for those looking to bask in the warmth of early summer. Calm winds will continue into the night with a low of around 68 degrees.

However, the heat does come with a caveat. The Shelby County Health Department has issued today's Code Orange Ozone Forecast for Shelby County, Tennessee, Crittenden County, Arkansas, and DeSoto County, Mississippi. Sensitive groups which include active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion as per the health department. The advisory is in response to forecasted ozone levels deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups and exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's federal safe health standard. So while the skies may be clear, the air quality is less than ideal.

The trend of clear skies and calm winds will persist, with Friday's high near 95 degrees and temperatures peaking on Sunday at a scorching 97 degrees. The wind is expected to remain light, bringing little relief from the heat. Each night, the temperature will dip modestly, offering a short-lived escape from the daytime highs.

As we approach the commemoration of Juneteenth, the forecast shows a continued pattern of mostly sunny skies with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The air quality, however, remains a significant concern, with www.airnow.gov serving as a resource for the latest forecasts and updates. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health during this period of high temperatures and compromised air quality.