Spring in Memphis is quietly turning up the heat. Since 1970, average spring temperatures in the city have climbed nearly 2°F, and the frost-free growing season now lasts more than two weeks longer than it did half a century ago. That shift is already changing when trees leaf out, when pollen peaks, and how spring storms behave across the Mid‑South.
Local coverage of a new nationwide climate analysis reports that Memphis’s average spring temperature has risen about 1.9°F since 1970, with the frost‑free season stretching by over two weeks. That means the calendar is sliding for both allergy sufferers and growers. As reported by FOX13 Memphis, those figures come from a city‑by‑city review of March through May temperature data going back to 1970.
Climate Central: Spring Is Getting Hotter Nationwide
The new briefing from Climate Central finds that spring temperatures have risen in 98% of the 241 major U.S. cities it examined. On average, those cities have warmed by roughly 2.6°F since 1970, and many now see several more warmer‑than‑normal spring days than they did a half‑century ago. The group also highlights forecasts calling for above‑average temperatures across much of the country through mid‑March, and it lists the Memphis area among those most likely to stay warmer than normal into late March.
"Allergy season can kick off earlier and stick around longer," said Shel Winkley, a meteorologist with Climate Central. You can find the full analysis at Climate Central.
What That Means For Memphis Residents
Warmer springs lengthen the window for pollen, ticks, and mosquitoes, and they can also intensify heavy rainfall because warmer air holds more moisture, roughly 7% more water vapor for every 1.8°F of warming, according to scientists. Memphis already ranks among the most challenging U.S. cities for seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, so earlier and longer pollen seasons could hit residents especially hard.
For those wondering why a little extra warmth can lead to a lot of extra water in the air, the National Academies provide an overview of the physical science linking a warming atmosphere to heavier downpours and wetter storms.
Takeaways And Tips
People with allergies may want to track local pollen forecasts closely and consider starting their usual medications a bit earlier this spring. Neighborhoods that are prone to flash flooding should pay extra attention whenever heavy spring storms are in the forecast. Local authorities and weather offices remain the go‑to sources for up‑to‑the‑minute information on flooding and severe‑weather alerts, while Climate Central’s briefing offers a national snapshot of how the timing and intensity of spring are changing.
If seasonal symptoms worsen as spring stretches out, residents are advised to contact their doctor or local public‑health resources for guidance on managing allergies and related conditions.
