Clouds hung over Memphis International Airport early Wednesday, March 25, with temperatures around 59°F, but the gray start will not last. Sunshine is expected to break through and send readings into the low 80s by this afternoon, kicking off a spring warm-up that tightens its grip through the week before a cold front finally knocks things back down.
Warm Spell Peaks Thursday
Thursday, March 26, is shaping up as the week’s headliner. Forecast highs are near 86°F with south-southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts that could reach 30 mph, pushing temperatures into near-record territory at local climate sites. If you have outdoor plans, midday through late afternoon will be the hottest stretch. According to the National Weather Service Memphis, probabilities for highs above 85°F are elevated across the Mid-South.
Front Arrives Friday; Showers North Of I-40
A cold front moves through on Friday, March 27, delivering the best rain chances to counties north of I-40 while Memphis mainly feels a noticeable temperature drop instead of a widespread soaking. “The front will knock down temperatures temporarily,” forecasters wrote, with higher rain probabilities to the north and only spotty showers expected around the city. The same discussion notes that Friday night lows could slip into the low 40s, and by Saturday morning some rural spots across northeast Arkansas, the Missouri Bootheel and northwest Tennessee may dip into the upper 30s, according to the National Weather Service Memphis.
Weekend Outlook And Planning
Saturday should be cooler and sunnier, with a high near 65°F. Conditions bounce back Sunday into early next week as highs return to the mid-70s to low-80s. Local outlets flagged this early-spring stretch of warmth earlier in March, so expect the temperature swings to continue, and try to plan outdoor events for the cooler parts of the day. With Thursday’s gusty winds on the way, it is also a good idea to secure loose outdoor items. For local coverage, see Action News 5.
.jpg){kind=link}