February 2020 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

February Climate Recap

December and January temperatures were well above average to start the winter of 2019-2020. February pulled back to near-average for the month with a mix of above and below normal days as fronts passed through regularly. Wet weather from January persisted into February, ending nearly two inches above average. There was one snow "event" with totals of up to an inch across the metro on the night of the 6th. Flurries also fell on the 20th. Thunderstorms occurred on the 5th, 9th, 10th, 18th, and 24th, though no severe weather was observed.

The U.S. temperature anomaly (departure from normal) for the month of February shows well below normal temperatures from the Rocky Mountains into the southern plains. Excessive warmth was found in the west and northeast with mixed temperatures in the flyover states. (WeatherBell)

For the period of meteorological winter (December-February), temperatures averaged 46.7 degrees or 3.3 degrees above normal and 14th warmest on record. Precipitation totaled 16.28",  2.17" above normal and in the top 25% wettest winters on record. Snowfall totaled 0.6 inches, all falling in the snow event on February 6-7.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 45.7 degrees (0.2 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 54.2 degrees (0.5 degrees below average)
Average low temperature: 37.1 degrees (0.8 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 70 degrees (2nd, 9th)
Coolest temperature: 22 degrees (14th)
Heating Degrees Days: 555 (7 above average)
Cooling Degree Days: 0 (2 below average)
Records set or tied:  None.
Comments: No days recorded a low temperature at or below freezing, which is roughly one day less than average for the month.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 6.34" (1.95" above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 15 (5.8 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 1.32" (4th)
Snowfall: 0.6" (0.7" below average)
Records set or tied: None.
Comments: Two days had rainfall exceeding one inch, but six days exceeded one-half inch.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/51 mph (12th)
Average wind: 9.2 mph
Average relative humidity: 71%
Average sky cover: 70%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 45.0 degrees
Average high temperature: 53.5 degrees
Average low temperature: 35.7 degrees
Warmest temperature: 70.1 degrees (2nd)
Coolest temperature: 21.1 degrees (14th)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.30" (automated rain gauge), 6.14" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 14
Wettest date: 1.36" (4th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: 1.0"
Comments: 1.0" of snow fell on the night of the 6th/7th and flurries were observed on the 20th.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/25 mph (12th)
Average relative humidity: 78%
Average barometric pressure: 30.10 in. Hg

Comments: None

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 2.12 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 66%
MWN average dewpoint error: 1.86 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 71%

MWN's forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.

Climate Outlook - March 2020

The March climate outlook for the United States from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Above average temperatures are forecast for the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., particularly over the Midwest to Mid-South. Near average temperatures are expected in the western U.S. Odds favor above average temperatures for Memphis, at 62% (versus only a 5% chance of below average temperatures). Memphis averages 54.0 degrees for the month.

Wetter than normal weather is expected for the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, as well as the desert southwest. Below average precipitation is forecast for the Front Range. For Memphis, odds favor above average rainfall (47% chance), which historically averages 5.16 inches.

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