Memphis is starting Friday with clear skies and temperatures around 73 degrees, but the brief morning comfort will not last. Sunshine will push the city to a high near 92, with a north-northeast breeze between 5 and 10 mph. The bigger concern today is not rain—it is ozone.
Sunny Friday Comes With An Ozone Alert
The National Weather Service says a Code Orange ozone forecast is in effect for Memphis and Shelby County through 5:30 p.m. Friday. Sensitive groups, including active children and adults and people with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. That is the notable new wrinkle compared with Thursday's forecast, which focused mainly on fog clearing and the coming heat.
Saturday Starts The Weekend Heat Climb
Saturday will be sunny and warmer, with a high near 94 and an overnight low around 73. Sunday turns up the furnace again, reaching about 97 under sunny skies, while the nighttime low rises to roughly 76. Rain chances remain essentially nonexistent through the weekend.
Next Week Looks Hot And Mostly Dry
The heat keeps building Monday through Thursday, with highs near 96, 97, 98 and 99 degrees, respectively. Skies should stay mostly sunny, and rain chances remain in the single digits, leaving Memphis with a long stretch of dry weather. Slightly lower humidity may offer some relief, but afternoon sun and temperatures near 100 will still make water, shade and breaks important.
Outdoor Plans Should Favor Shorter, Earlier Outings
Friday's light winds and clear skies may look inviting, but people covered by the ozone alert should avoid prolonged exertion outdoors, particularly during the afternoon. For everyone else, the practical plan is simple: hydrate, take breaks and treat the weekend's rising temperatures as a preview of next week's much hotter run.
