As of early Tuesday morning, observations at Memphis International (KMEM) showed clear skies over a sticky 75°F (24°C), with dew points near 72°F and a light west breeze around 12 mph. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s this afternoon, topping out near 89°F, before the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms ramps up after 11 a.m.
Afternoon Storm Chances
Scattered, pulse-type storms are most likely from midday into the early evening, with brief heavy downpours and gusty winds wherever they flare up. Forecasters are putting today’s rain chance around 50%, and most spots should see less than a tenth of an inch of new rainfall. For the latest timing and any watches, check the National Weather Service Memphis.
What To Expect For The Commute
If you are heading out this afternoon, it is a good idea to keep a light rain jacket handy and build in a little extra drive time. A quick burst of heavy rain can slam visibility and slick up the roads in a hurry. Many neighborhoods will stay dry, but a stray storm cell could trigger brief flooding on low-lying streets and put a dent in outdoor events or evening plans.
Late-Week Heat Surge
After a short lull, temperatures rebound later this week, with highs climbing into the mid 90s by Thursday and Friday and humidity pushing heat-index values near or above 100°F. Heat headlines may be needed as early as Thursday, and you can see our earlier coverage from when Memphis swelters under a heat advisory for background on the developing heat threat and local cooling resources.
Bottom Line
Look for a muggy start, scattered afternoon storms, and a hotter finish to the week, so plan outdoor time carefully and keep an eye on the radar if you have tight schedules. For official updates and any advisories, monitor the National Weather Service Memphis and local emergency channels.
