Memphis is starting Sunday clear and around 75°F, but the easy morning is the last bit of mercy before a long hot stretch. The high is expected to reach 97°F, with the heat index near 101°F, and mostly sunny skies will keep rain out of the forecast. By midweek, highs climb to 99°F.
Sunday Heat Builds Into A Weeklong Sizzle
Sunday’s south wind around 5 mph will do little to soften the afternoon heat, according to the National Weather Service Memphis. Monday brings another 97-degree afternoon, but a higher heat index near 106°F, followed by highs of 98°F Tuesday and 99°F from Wednesday through Friday.
Saturday is expected to stay sunny and hot, with a high near 98°F. Rain chances remain minimal throughout the stretch, ranging from near zero early in the week to just 13% Saturday, so outdoor plans should not count on a passing shower to provide relief.
Overnight Relief Will Be Limited
Sunday night will be mostly clear with a low around 77°F, but heat index values could still reach 100°F. Monday night is forecast to be only slightly warmer at 78°F, with heat index values as high as 103°F, making air conditioning and hydration important well after sunset.
The persistent heat extends the pattern described in a recent Hoodline forecast, with the latest update adding a Sunday air-quality concern and an even clearer run of 98- to 99-degree afternoons.
Code Orange Ozone Alert Covers Sunday
A Code Orange ozone alert is in effect for Shelby County through 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The advisory says ozone levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including active children and adults and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Those groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. For everyone else, the safest bet is to move strenuous activity to the morning or evening, drink water regularly and take frequent breaks from the heat.
