Memphis wakes up to another teeth-chattering start on Wednesday, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering near 30°F at Memphis International Airport and a light north breeze in the mix. After a hard overnight freeze, bridges and untreated side streets can still be icy, so slick spots are likely during the morning commute. Highs this afternoon should make it into the upper 30s, which means a brief afternoon thaw, followed by yet another freeze overnight.
Morning Commute: Watch For Black Ice, Again
The National Weather Service expects below-freezing conditions again for Wednesday and Thursday mornings and warns that "slick and icy roadways are likely" for morning travel. According to NWS Memphis, look for north winds around 10 mph today, little to no precipitation, and temperatures only climbing into the upper 30s. Plan on giving yourself extra time, and treat every bridge and overpass like a potential black-ice trap.
Afternoons And Nights
Skies should turn sunnier by afternoon with a high near 39°F, then clear out tonight with a low around 23°F by Thursday morning. The City of Memphis notes its snow-and-ice plan prioritizes main routes first, so plenty of neighborhood and residential streets may stay slick longer, and drivers should consult local updates for which routes have been treated. That daytime-thaw and nighttime-refreeze pattern is set to keep travel tricky overnight and into the Thursday morning rush.
Weekend Warm-Up And Recovery
A more pleasant story arrives Friday, when highs jump into the low 60s and a mostly dry stretch into the weekend helps chew through leftover snow, sleet, and ice. NWS discussion indicates a ridge building this weekend should keep temperatures above freezing each morning and boost recovery efforts across the region. Even so, meltwater can still refreeze after dark through the weekend, so slick patches will not vanish all at once.
What To Do
Drive slowly on untreated roads, build extra time into your commute, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to the cold or to any power issues. If you are using a portable generator, keep it outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide risks. Stay tuned to updates throughout the day for any changes in precipitation or travel advisories.
