Memphis

Memphis Simmers With Near-Record Heat As Weekend Washout Looms

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Published on March 05, 2026
Memphis Simmers With Near-Record Heat As Weekend Washout LoomsSource: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Memphis rolled into Thursday, March 5, 2026, under cloudy, windy skies and temperatures already in the upper 60s, with a warm, humid southerly breeze working hard to shove the afternoon high toward about 79°F. A chance of showers and a few thunderstorms is highest in the morning, then fades by early afternoon, but the air will stay sticky overnight as lows only slip into the low-to-mid 60s.

Afternoon Winds And The Commute

Southerly winds around 10 to 15 mph, with some stronger gusts tossed in, will keep things breezy through the late morning and afternoon commute. Drivers should be ready for a few sudden pushes of wind on exposed bridges and along the riverfront. Any passing thunderstorm could squeeze out a brief, heavy downpour, which means slick spots and reduced visibility in a few unlucky pockets.

Saturday Soaker Could Turn Heavy

The main troublemaker shows up late Friday night into Saturday, March 7, as a slow-moving front noses in and is likely to fire up widespread showers and thunderstorms while trimming highs back into the low 70s. Forecasters at the National Weather Service Memphis say repeated storms could drop new rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches in spots on Saturday, which would be enough to cause ponding on roads and localized flooding.

Plan Ahead For Outdoor Events

If you have outdoor plans Friday night or Saturday, it is worth nudging them earlier or taking them indoors, since parks and festival grounds could get muddy, and travel may slow down. For a look at how this warm and stormy stretch is set up, check out how Memphis swelters through March heat, and keep tabs on local alerts in case any watches or warnings are issued.

What To Watch Next Week

Showers and storms remain on the board into next week, with highs bouncing back toward 80°F by Monday and Tuesday, March 9 and 10. No watches or warnings were in effect on Thursday morning, March 5, although conditions could change quickly as the front edges closer, so it is smart to check official updates before heading out.