The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a special weather statement alerting residents of potential travel hazards due to refreezing snow and ice. As temperatures drop into the 20s overnight, leftover moisture from melted snow and ice is expected to refreeze on roadways, resulting in dangerous conditions through this morning. Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially on back roads, neighborhoods, bridges, off-ramps, and overpasses which are most susceptible to freezing and black ice. NWS Memphis cautions that "Areas of ice will be hard to identify at night" and recommends that, if travel is necessary, drivers should use extreme caution.
While the area is set for sunny days with highs reaching into the low to mid-40s, the clear skies at night will not offer solace for travelers. The region is set to experience lows in the 20s, exacerbating the potential for icy conditions. Residents can expect patchy freezing fog before 9 a.m. today, but the remainder of the day should be sunny with a high near 43 degrees, accompanied by a light south wind.
Looking ahead, the forecast promises a chilling start to the week, with tomorrow seeing mostly cloudy skies eventually yielding to sun, and a peak temperature near 33 degrees. By tomorrow night, the skies will clear, but the low will drop around 19 degrees, setting the stage for more possible re-freezing concerns.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather changes, particularly as we approach the tail end of the week. The current forecast shows increased chances of precipitation, with showers likely on Friday night accompanied by an 80% chance, this increased moisture could lead to more tricky travel scenarios if temperatures hover around freezing. Meanwhile, calm winds are expected to become west southwest around 5 mph in the morning on Tuesday, days which should see a little reprieve from the biting cold with highs hovering around 40 degrees.
