Memphis

Memphis Wakes Up Sticky As Heat Index Soars

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Published on July 08, 2026
Memphis Wakes Up Sticky As Heat Index SoarsSource: Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As of 5:35 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Memphis International Airport (KMEM) was reporting clear skies and about 73°F with a dew point hanging near 72°F. That warm, saturated air is the recipe for patchy fog in low-lying spots to start the morning.

Foggy Morning, Spotty Storms

Patchy fog is likely before 7 a.m. Wednesday, the skies turn mostly sunny with a shot at showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, the chance of rain sits around 40%, with a high near 90°F and new rainfall totals generally under one tenth of an inch. Any stronger storm could still briefly dump heavy rain or kick up some gusty wind, which may slow the afternoon drive.

Heat Cranks Up Through The Week

Humidity and temperatures climb into Thursday and Friday, with inland highs heading for the mid 90s and heat index values possibly topping 105 to 106°F on Thursday. Forecasters say parts of the Mid-South, especially areas along and west of the Mississippi River, could reach Heat Advisory criteria as early as Thursday, so it is smart to cut back on strenuous outdoor work during the hottest part of the day. Overnight lows will stay muggy in the mid 70s, which means very little relief after sunset.

Stay Cool And Plan Ahead

Keep water handy, push yard work and outdoor chores to the morning or evening, and keep an eye on kids and pets during peak heat. If you need an air-conditioned break, downtown cooling services are available. The Hospitality Hub at 590 Washington Ave lists hours and contact details on its site. Other nonprofit locations such as Memphis Union Mission (383 Poplar Ave) are also activating cooling spaces during heat events.

Weekend Outlook

Shower and thunderstorm chances ramp back up Saturday night into Sunday, with the best odds for more widespread storms over the weekend. How that lines up in the day will decide which outdoor events take a hit. Early next week looks drier, but anyone with plans outside should keep checking local updates and the radar.