The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of light mixed wintry precipitation expected this afternoon through late evening for residents across parts of Eastern Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, West Tennessee, and Extreme Northwest Mississippi. National Weather Service details that "Little to no accumulations of freezing rain and sleet are expected" and that "Light accumulations of snow may occur where temperatures remain at or below freezing."
For those getting ready to venture out, caution is advised as what might seem merely wet could actually turn out to be treacherous ice surfaces. The National Weather Service's alert articulated, "Roads that appear wet may actually be icy if temperatures are at or below freezin." To fully appreciate the implications, consider the increased probability of hazardous travel conditions, specifically targeting untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses which are prone to freeze before standard roadway pavements.
The forecast today in Memphis calls for cloudy skies with a high around 38. Into the evening, the National Weather Service predicts, "A chance of rain showers and sleet before 7pm, then a chance of rain showers between 7pm and 11pm." Temperatures are set to drop near the freezing point, with a nighttime low around 29 degrees. Unsettled weather is expected to continue into the weekend, with chances of showers interspersed with mostly cloudy skies.
As the system gears up to leave behind its wintery mix, motorists have been urged to "use extra caution if traveling this afternoon and evening." They are suggested to temper their speeds and interpose greater distances between cars, especially "when approaching bridges and overpasses, as these structures freeze before paved roadways" As the weekend eases in, the city can expect to witness better conditions with the likelihood of a mostly sunny Wednesday ahead, hinting at a brief respite from the chilling embrace of early December, as stated by the National Weather Service.
