Bundling up and bracing for the chill is what the folks in Memphis and surrounding areas have on their agenda. The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a cold weather advisory that extends until noon CST Sunday, December 14th. According to their NWS report, very cold wind chills as low as zero degrees are expected in parts of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee.
The advisory, which was issued late on Saturday, asserts that frostbite and hypothermia risks are high if precautions aren't taken. The NWS advises everyone venturing outside to wear a hat and gloves along with other appropriate clothing. In the announcement, they warn, "Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures." While traveling, the recommendation is not only to bundle up but also to keep an eye out for those who might be particularly vulnerable in these icy conditions.
The detailed forecast paints a clear but frosty picture for the week ahead. Sunday's high is barely climbing to 27 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill values as low as 6 degrees. The temperatures for the early part of the week aren't expected to provide much respite either, with Monday night's forecast showing a low around 29 degrees. As reported, varying wind directions with speeds of 5 to 10 mph will bring fluctuating conditions over the next few days, from mostly sunny skies to the possibility of showers and thunderstorms by the week’s end.
Framing the week, Thursday seems to be the wettest, with a 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm according to the forecast. The weather patterns appear as a brief respite in a season where the cold bites with intentions uncompromising. The NWS Memphis' forecast suggests that "Showers and possibly a thunderstorm" will be present, with the chance of precipitation sitting at a high 90 percent. Going into the weekend, the chance of rain drops again, but conditions remain variable and uncertain.
Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to stay updated on the weather conditions and heed the advisory. With temperatures oscillating and the whims of the wind, preparation and caution are imperative. Following the NWS guidelines could mean the difference between a safe season and a winter's bite that lasts longer than the cold itself.
