Memphis is waking up to a mostly clear, sticky start Wednesday, with local stations clocking temperatures around 75°F and dewpoints in the low 70s. In other words, it already feels like walking into a damp blanket. Forecasters expect scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms to bubble up around midday and carry through the evening, with the busiest stretch lining up with the afternoon commute. Highs should reach near 86°F before clouds and rain knock readings back into the low 80s.
Afternoon Storms, Timing and Impacts
Storm chances climb from a slight risk late this morning to more widespread showers and thunderstorms between about 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the strongest action most likely in the mid-afternoon. Brief heavy downpours could drop a half to three-quarters of an inch of rain in short bursts, which is enough to cause ponding on roads and quick rises in water in low-lying spots. Isolated flooding cannot be ruled out, according to the National Weather Service Memphis.
Commute and Safety Tips
If you have outdoor plans this afternoon, line up a backup and plan on wet pavement. Give yourself extra time for the drive, slow down when the rain hits, and steer clear of shallow underpasses that can flood in a hurry. Keep phones charged and make sure you are enrolled in local alert systems. The City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management shares updates and road-closure notices when heavy rain moves through.
Weekend Warm-Up
Rain chances ease back on Thursday and Friday, but the heat starts to crank up again Friday into the weekend, with highs pushing into the low to mid 90s. Forecast highs land near 91°F Friday and reach the mid 90s by early next week. Forecasters say heat indices could slip into the low 100s across the Mississippi Delta, even if values near 105°F remain unlikely. As temperatures climb, stay hydrated and aim any outdoor work or workouts for the coolest hours of the day.
