Cloudy and humid on this Thursday morning, Memphis is starting off warm for early April, with temperatures already in the upper 60s and a sticky feel. Southerly winds are on track to push highs into the low 80s on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and scattered showers or an isolated thunderstorm are possible by mid to late afternoon. A Wind Advisory runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., so gusty conditions could turn the evening commute into a blustery ride home. Read on for timing, expected impacts, and a few quick moves you can make now.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory in effect Thursday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with south winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts as high as 35 mph, strongest along and west of the Mississippi River, according to NWS Memphis. Those steady winds and higher gusts can toss unsecured patio furniture and make high-profile vehicles tougher to control on bridges and open stretches of road. Tie down or stow lightweight outdoor items before the advisory window and secure any loose yard equipment.
Storm Timing And Rainfall
Showers and a chance of thunderstorms are most likely Thursday afternoon into the evening, with the best odds after about 1 p.m.; brief heavy downpours and localized gusts are the main concerns. The NWS forecast discussion notes a Marginal Risk for severe storms Thursday afternoon and evening, primarily damaging winds, with a secondary threat of large hail or a brief tornado, and it also flags Saturday as a much wetter day with 1–2 inches possible in spots, per the NWS forecast discussion. If you are planning outdoor events Friday night into Saturday, sketch out a rain backup now, since the slow-moving front on Saturday carries the highest risk for steady, heavier rain.
Plan For The Commute
Expect gusty winds and pockets of heavy rain during the Thursday evening commute, and give yourself extra time in case downpours cut visibility. Avoid sudden lane changes on slick roads, and keep an eye out for crosswinds on exposed stretches if you are driving a tall vehicle. Cyclists and people on the riverfront should be especially cautious. Keep local alerts turned on and check the NWS page if storms start to organize faster than expected.
