This morning (Friday, July 3) in Memphis, it is mostly clear and around 81°F at Memphis International Airport, and the temperature will climb fast. The forecast high is near 96°F, with heat-index values making it feel more like 105–107°F this afternoon. Thick humidity will keep things sticky and make outdoor Fourth-of-July plans on Saturday, July 4, feel a lot hotter than the numbers on the thermometer. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms late this afternoon into the evening, but coverage looks spotty. If you are planning to be outside, try to schedule the hard work for early morning or later in the evening and keep water close at hand.
Heat Advisory Through Saturday Evening
According to the National Weather Service Memphis, an area-wide Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m. CDT Saturday, July 4, with heat-index readings expected around 105–109°F each afternoon. Forecasters say the advisory "may need to be extended into Sunday" if the humid ridge sticks around. The advisory urges residents to "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors." Extra care is recommended for anyone who works or exercises outside, and breaks in air conditioning are especially important for kids and pets.
Cooling Options And Safety
Downtown's Hospitality Hub (590 Washington Avenue) is operating as a cooling center; see our earlier coverage in Memphis turns into street-level sauna. Local outlets report that free cooling sites and hydration stations are open across West Tennessee during the advisory, with a recent roundup listing locations and hours. For more on those sites, see WBBJTV. If you or someone you know does not have reliable cooling, consider heading to a public site during the hottest part of the day and avoid leaving anyone in parked cars.
Thunderstorm Chances This Evening
There is only a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms into tonight, with the best window after about 5–6 p.m. Overall probabilities run in the 20–40% range depending on where you are in the area. Any storms that do pop up could bring brief heavy rain and localized gusty winds, so keep an eye on the sky if you are outside for fireworks or barbecues. Most of the city is likely to deal with heat rather than widespread rain, so prioritize cooling plans and treat any storms as short-lived, localized hazards.
What To Expect Over The Weekend
High temperatures are expected to ease only slightly into the low-to-mid 90s on Saturday and Sunday, while humidity keeps heat-index values near 100–109°F through the holiday weekend. Overnight lows in the mid-70s will not offer much cooling. That combination raises the risk the most for older adults, young children, and people without air conditioning. Keep up with local forecasts, know where your nearest cooling site is located, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the heat hangs on.
