The National Weather Service in Memphis issued a special weather statement early this morning, noting the presence of freezing fog across parts of the Mid-South, with potential areas of denser fog as sunrise approaches. They warn motorists traveling in the region, especially in West Memphis, Forrest City, Marianna, Helena-West Helena, Southaven, and Olive Branch, among others, to be cautious of rapid visibility changes and icy conditions on bridges and overpasses. "If traveling, be prepared for rapid visibility changes," cautions the NWS. These conditions are expected to last through the morning hours.
In addition to the fog, the weather forecast indicates widespread frost this morning, mainly before 9 a.m. The remainder of the day is expected to be sunny, with a high near 48 degrees, while tonight sees the return of widespread frost after 10 p.m. The frost will be clearing after this morning, becoming sunny with a high near 40 degrees on Tuesday. Widespread frost is expected again before 10 a.m., according to NWS.
Looking forward to the week, Wednesday brings a 30 percent chance of showers after noon, with the likelihood of showers increasing to 40 percent in the evening, mainly before midnight. Clear skies return on Thursday, and sunshine persists into Friday. This weekend, the chance for rain lingers at a marginal rate, leaving Saturday with a 20 percent chance of rainfall and Sunday potentially holding a 20 percent chance of showers amidst areas of frost.
The current conditions, a brisk 30°F with a humidity of 79 percent and a wind chill of 24°F, make bundling against the bite of the chill necessary. However, mostly clear skies are due to become the norm following a mostly cloudy transition tonight, as detailed by the NWS forecast. Residents should prepare for colder nights, especially on Thursday night with lows around 24 and frost, and take heed of the Special Weather Statement regarding freezing fog when embarking on early morning commutes.
