Friday, March 6, 2026
Memphis rolled out of bed to clear skies and temperatures around 646F this morning, and things will heat up in a hurry. Highs near 826F are expected Friday afternoon as humidity climbs, turning the city into a steamy start to the weekend. A brief, isolated shower between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. cannot be ruled out, but the main action arrives late Friday night into Saturday, March 7, 2026. Afternoon commuters should also be ready for breezy south winds.
According to the National Weather Service, near-record to record highs are likely on Friday, March 6, 2026, ahead of a slow-moving cold front that will drag widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region late Friday night into Saturday, March 7, 2026. Forecasters describe a marginal-to-slight severe risk through early Saturday evening, with damaging straight-line winds as the main concern and training storms capable of producing pockets of locally heavy rainfall.
Afternoon Commute: Hot, Sticky, And Kicked Up By The Wind
South winds of 5 to 15 mph will pump moisture into the Mid-South this afternoon, making it feel even warmer than the numbers suggest. Gusts into the mid-20s mph are possible during peak heating, which could rattle outdoor tents, signage, and umbrellas. If you have early evening plans, keep your phone charged and a quick backup plan to move indoors if a stray shower pops up.
Late Friday Night Into Saturday: Storm Train Rolls In
The most widespread and organized storms are expected from late Friday night into Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, when showers and thunderstorms become likely across the Memphis metro. Saturday’s forecast currently calls for a high near 736F, with new rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches possible and locally higher totals where storms repeatedly track over the same neighborhoods.
Severe Weather And Flooding: What Could Go Wrong
Forecasters are most focused on the threat of damaging straight-line winds within any fast-moving line segments, while tornadoes are considered a lower but still non-zero risk in embedded cells. Because storms may train over the same areas, localized flash flooding and ponding on roadways are possible, so do not attempt to drive through flooded streets and expect travel delays Saturday morning.
Before The Storms Hit: Prep Time In The Bluff City
Secure lightweight outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash bins, and consider postponing or moving outdoor gatherings scheduled for late Friday night into Saturday, March 7, 2026. Sign up for local alerts and follow guidance from the City of Memphis OEM, which oversees outdoor warning sirens and emergency messaging in the city. Keep flashlights and your phone charged, and try to avoid driving in the heaviest downpours.
Looking Ahead: A Soggy Stretch On Deck
Shower and thunderstorm chances linger into next week, with repeated rounds possible. Ensemble guidance suggests some parts of the Mid-South could pick up 2 to 4 inches of rain over the multi-day stretch. Recheck the forecast Saturday morning, since the exact timing and intensity of storms may shift as the cold front edges closer.
