As of 5:35 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, conditions at Memphis International Airport (KMEM) were clear with the thermometer parked near 21°F. A bright afternoon is on the way with mostly sunny skies and a high near 42°F, setting up a brief thaw across the city. Once the sun goes down, though, readings slide back toward freezing, so any melt on sidewalks and roads could refreeze by Friday morning, Feb. 6.
Afternoon Thaw, Icy Mornings
Most neighborhoods are expected to top out around 40 to 43°F this afternoon with light west winds and almost no measurable precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. That daytime melting should continue, but the NWS notes that mornings through Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, can still dip to near or below freezing, which keeps the risk of black ice alive on side streets and bridges.
Morning Commute Risks
Bridges, overpasses, and untreated residential streets are the most likely spots to turn slick on Thursday and Friday mornings. Drivers are urged to check road conditions before heading out. You can dial 511 or visit Tennessee 511 for live cameras and incident reports. Give yourself extra time, ease off the gas on ramps, and treat any wet-looking surface as if it might be a sheet of ice.
Weekend Warm-Up
Warmer air makes a comeback Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, with highs climbing into the low 60s, and temperatures stay above normal through early next week. The forecast calls for highs near 62°F on Sunday, Feb. 8, and around 67°F by Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, per the National Weather Service. A slight chance of spotty showers creeps in by Tuesday night, Feb. 10, 2026, but most of next week looks dry. For now, it is safe to pencil in outdoor plans during the midday warmth and keep a jacket handy for the early commute.
For more background on the recent cold snap and city response, see our earlier coverage of Memphis' icy commutes.
