Memphis is waking up to a crisp but bright Thursday, with clear skies, temps in the upper 30s, and plenty of sunshine on tap. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the upper 50s to around 60°F, making today the prime dry window before a soggier stretch rolls in. East winds should stay light around 5 mph, so evening plans across the city look calm and comfortable.
Afternoon And Friday
Skies stay mostly sunny today with a high near 60°F, and Friday looks a little warmer, topping out around 65°F with only a light east-southeast breeze. Overnight lows will hang out in the 40s, which keeps mornings on the milder side compared with recent freezes. If you have outdoor plans on Friday, conditions should stay friendly for anything from a long walk to a patio dinner.
Saturday Into Sunday: Heavy Rain And Thunder
A low-pressure system sliding through the Mid-South will change the vibe starting Saturday. Showers are likely during the day, with heavier rain and thunderstorms expected to build in on Saturday night. Forecasters say Saturday night could bring 1 to 2 inches of rain in a short stretch, with weekend totals in the 1.5 to 2.5 inch range. That bumps up the risk for ponding on roads and minor flooding in urban and low-lying spots. The timing and rainfall amounts are laid out in the National Weather Service forecast discussion.
Commuter Impacts
Drivers should plan on slower travel from Saturday night into Sunday morning, because standing water and heavy downpours can cut visibility and bog down surface streets. Skip driving through flooded roadways and build in extra time for errands or Valentine’s weekend outings. Park trails and the riverfront are likely to be soggy, so rain gear is your friend if you are heading outside.
Bottom Line
Enjoy the sun and mild temperatures today and Friday, and try to move any weather-sensitive plans away from Saturday night when the heaviest rain is expected. There are no watches or warnings posted this morning, but it is worth checking for updates as the weekend gets closer.
