As of Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. CDT, Memphis International Airport was reporting mostly cloudy skies, a muggy 66°F, and south-southwest winds around 20 mph. Dew points in the low 60s will keep the air feeling sticky through the morning before storms build later today.
Afternoon And Evening Threats
A second round of potentially severe thunderstorms is expected Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday, with damaging wind and large hail as the main concerns and a smaller chance for a few tornadoes. Heavy downpours are likely as well, with new rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches possible this afternoon and 2 to 3 inches possible overnight. Training storms could set up pockets of urban flash flooding that cause quick trouble for low-lying spots. According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, residents should keep an eye on watches and warnings as conditions evolve.
Timing And Commute
Scattered showers could show up by late morning, but the greatest risk for more organized severe storms ramps up after 2 p.m. CDT and continues through the evening into the overnight hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026. That window lines up uncomfortably well with the afternoon and evening commutes, along with any outdoor events. Drivers should be ready for delays, ponding on roads, and sudden heavy rain, and they should avoid low-lying, flood-prone streets. For local preparedness tips and alert signups, visit the Shelby County Office of Preparedness.
Quick Safety Tips
Charge phones ahead of time in case the power flickers, bring pets and loose outdoor items inside, and move outdoor plans indoors if you can. If a tornado warning is issued, head to an interior room or basement away from windows. If flooding develops, never drive through standing water, even if it looks shallow. Keep multiple reliable ways to get severe-weather alerts, including phone push notifications, a NOAA Weather Radio, and local TV or radio.
This story updates Monday's coverage of the two-day storm threat as the atmosphere destabilizes again today. We will post updates if watches or warnings change through Tuesday night. Stay tuned, stay weather aware, and skip those flooded streets - small choices now can prevent much bigger problems later.
