Is fall here to stay? It appears so! And #TeamMWN says goodbye to an intern...

Over the last week we saw pleasant temperatures followed by rain from the remnants of tropical storm Beta. Last weekend was very nice with temperatures overnight being cool, and daytime highs reaching right around 80. The middle part of the week we saw rain from the remnants of Beta, totaling to just over 3/4 of an inch (0.83"). Over the next week we'll see some rain, but it looks like the cooler temperatures are here to stay!

This Weekend

After only topping out right around 70 today with overcast skies, we are expecting mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Due to the overnight cloud cover and elevated dewpoints, the lows will only drop to the mid 60s. Saturday will be much better, after possible morning fog. Clouds are expected to clear somewhat, so we'll see partly cloudy skies and high temperatures near 80. Saturday night and into Sunday morning the lows will drop to the mid 60s, with mostly clear conditions. Sunday will be partly cloudy, as we top out in the mid 80s. There is also a slight chance of an afternoon shower (mostly in north MS), but it shouldn't be anything to worry about. Heading into Monday, overnight lows will drop to the mid 60s once again with a possible shower by morning.

Monday and Tuesday

Monday we will see temperatures reach the upper 70s, as showers and a few thunderstorms arrive with a passing cold front. One nice by product of the cold front is overnight lows heading into Tuesday will drop to the mid 50s! If it were me, I'd crack my windows open, but I'm not sure how cold tolerant y'all are down here. [Editor's note: Max is from Maryland. He's still acclimating to hot summers, but has the "y'all" down pretty good!] The cold front that is expected to come through Monday will also make Tuesday very pleasant, as temperatures are expected to reach near 70. Skies will be partly cloudy during the daytime, with those kind of conditions continuing overnight. Tuesday night and into Wednesday lows will drop to the upper 50s...so maybe crack the windows again. 

This is the expected surface chart for Monday morning, per the Weather Prediction Center (WPC). They are predicting a rather strong cold front to cross the area Monday, bringing some showers and thunderstorms.

Hump day through Friday

Wednesday rain chances are kind of up in the air with possibility of stout upper level system affecting the area. Unfortunately, the models aren't agreeing on how its track or strength. Therefore we're going to stick with a chance of showers on Wednesday, though it could be wetter if the European model wins out, with temperatures topping out in the low 70s. Going into Thursday, overnight lows will drop to the mid 50s again. Thursday skies will be partly cloudy, and temperatures will top out near 70. Heading into Friday morning, we are in store for a chilly night. Overnight lows are expected to drop near 50 with mostly clear conditions. It's possible we'll be seeing our first lows in the 40s outside the city in about a week!

What can we expect in the long term?

The long term temperature outlook looks very promising for the Memphis area. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is predicting both below average temperatures, and below average precipitation for the first week or two of October.

This is the temperature and precipitation outlook for October 1st-5th. It shows Memphis will most likely have both below average temperatures and precipitation. 

This is the temperature and precipitation outlook for October 3rd-9th. It also shows Memphis will probably have both below average temperatures and precipitation. 

Reflection

Last, I want to reflect on my time with MWN. Over the past year I have had the great opportunity of working for MemthisWeather.net under Erik. He's been a great boss, and I've learned so much from him. One of the big skills I learned is how to better communicate with the general public. I'm sure it will be very applicable for my future endeavors. I'm sad to leave MWN, but I feel it is the right thing for me to do. Erik and the whole team at MWN have my upmost respect, and I wish nothing but the best for them.

[ Editor's Note: Max will be finishing up his graduate studies at Mississippi State University in the spring and heading on to his first "real" job in atmospheric sciences thereafter. He's been with MWN for a year and has served me, and all of YOU, very well. We will miss him a great deal, but wish Max nothing but the best in his future endeavors! /EP ]

Max Magness
MWN Meteorologist Intern

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Fall arrives Tuesday -- astronomy and meteorology agree!

Welcome to Fall!

The autumnal equinox occurs Tuesday morning at 8:30am. In this case, the weather forecast is right in line with astronomy, as generally pleasant conditions are occurring as the Earth begins to tilt away from the sun and pass the Equator from north to south (the latter of which explains why winter season is cooler than summer in the northern Hemisphere).

It's been a dry month overall with only a couple of major rain threats and officially less than 1/2" of rain at the airport three weeks into the month. That dry streak will hopefully come to an end this week, as yet more remnants of a tropical system move towards the Mid-South (appropriately enough, #2020). While the sunshine, cool mornings, and pleasantly warm afternoons of the past several days have been great, clouds will obscure the sky more often than not over the next several days and rain chances tick up, particularly Tuesday night through Thursday. 

Tropical Storm Beta is making landfall tonight as a disorganized and very slow moving tropical storm over the middle Texas coast near Matagorda Bay, or roughly midway between Corpus Christi and Houston. Once it reaches the coast, a sharp turn to the northeast will result in the storm inching along the shoreline towards Houston, dumping several inches of rain along the way. By mid-day Wednesday it will be near Galveston Bay then start to accelerate into Louisiana, then turn northeast and move across Mississippi Thursday night into Friday as it dissipates. 

Our best chances of rain locally will be as precipitation lifts well northeast of the system into the Mid-South starting Tuesday night and continuing Wednesday and into Thursday, particularly during the morning hours. However, no all-day rain events are really expected and rainfall totals likely will average around an inch through Thursday with higher amounts, possibly up to 2 inches, across section of north MS. So though it won't be a lot, an inch of rain would be welcome at this point! 

Total precipitation as forecast by the NWS through Thursday evening. (WeatherBell)

As for temperatures, the cloud cover and easterly wind the next few days will help to hold high temperatures well below average (which is in the low to mid 80s). Look for highs on Tuesday in the lower to mid 70s. On Wednesday, with scattered showers, temperatures will struggle to even reach 70 degrees, remaining in the 60s most of the day! The last time we saw daytime highs that cool was mid-May! Overnight lows will bottom out near 60 each morning. 

As we head towards the weekend, look for a general drying trend with lingering spotty showers and a bit more sunshine by Saturday and Sunday. Highs rebound to 80+ while lows remain in the 60s as high pressure briefly builds in. Another front on Sunday looks to undercut temperatures once again heading into next week. Outside of a very unlikely, short-lived hot day, it appears we may be done with ninety degree temperatures for 2020 - but don't hold me to it just yet! In the meantime, enjoy the changing of the seasons, cooler temperatures, and your pumpkin spice lattes!

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

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Will these hot and dry conditions ever end? Where is fall?

[ Editor's note: Many of you have (rightly) called us out for our outlooks from about a week ago signaling a significant cool down this week that will not occur. We followed the vast majority of the guidance we had access to, including the various mid-range computer models from various agencies and the NWS Climate Prediction Center. All showed a part of the cold blast that affected the Rocky Mountains and parts of the plains seeping into the Mid-South by this time. However, that scenario changed over the weekend and our forecasts reflected that. Subtropical high pressure over the southeast U.S. held firm and kept the cooler air at bay. 

I know it was widely anticipated and you are disappointed after a long summer when the first shot of cold air doesn't materialize. Me too. Forecasting an anomalous (even record-setting for some areas) cold air event this early in the season getting this far south was probably a roll of the dice, but the guidance was fairly unanimous. Our time will come, but early September is a TAD early for that sort of cool wave! Fall has not started - do not lose hope when the game has barely begun! Now on to the week ahead... courtesy of Max: ]

Over the last week conditions have been pretty benign. There hasn't been any rain officially recorded since September 3rd. Besides no precipitation the skies have been full of sun. Due to the overabundance of sun our temperatures have varied in between the mid 80s and lower 90s over the last week. Even though there's been slightly above normal temperatures over the last week it hasn't felt too terrible. This is due to lower dew points, so it's more of a "dry heat" then the tropical heat we're used to in mid-summer. This is not unusual for late summer/early fall.

Friday and this weekend

After we top out a little over 90 on Thursday, overnight lows going into Friday will drop to the lower 70s. Friday during the day it looks like it'll be a little more humid as we top out near 90. Rain is not expected on Friday, but we are expecting partly cloudy skies (so maybe that'll help). As we head into Saturday overnight lows will only drop to the mid 70s. Saturday temperatures will top out near 90 again, under partly sunny skies. Thankfully there is a slight chance of an afternoon/evening shower on Saturday. Overnight lows Saturday into Sunday will drop to the low 70s. Sunday we will will top out in the upper 80s under partly sunny skies. Again there will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms, so hopefully we get some much needed rain. We aren't in a drought right now, but if the heat and dry conditions keep up we could head into a drought in the next few weeks. 

This is the most current drought monitor for TN showing no drought conditions in the MWN coverage area of southwest TN.

This is the most current drought monitor for MS showing no drought for the MWN coverage area of northwest MS.

This upcoming week

The theme for this upcoming week is consistent temperatures, with chances of rain everyday. After we drop into the lower 70s heading into Monday, we will top out in the mid 80s. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms...so fingers crossed. Heading into Tuesday overnight lows drop to near 70. Tuesday afternoon we should again only top out in the mid 80s. There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening. Heading into Wednesday, morning lows will drop to near 70 again. Wednesday and Thursday will be one in the same with temperatures topping out in the mid 80s. Both Wednesday and Thursday have a chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms. This would bring some much needed rain to the area, so fingers crossed we all see some. 

Whats with all the pretty sunsets and sunrises lately?

So over the last few weeks there have been many fires across the United States. The most devastating of fires have been occurring in the states of Oregon, Washington, and California. Some of the smoke has made it's way towards Memphis, and has been sitting over us for the last few days. When there are more particles in the air (in this case more smoke), this results in scattering. The scattering (mainly red scattering) presents with usually bright red (can be other colors though) sunsets and sunrises.

This is model output from the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR). The model output shows the near surface smoke that is present in the atmosphere. The highest concentrations are along the west coast of the United States where active fires are nearby. The blue you see over Memphis is all it takes for us to get some nice sunsets and sunrises though! 

Max Magness

MWN Meteorologist Intern

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August 2020 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

August Climate Recap

After a July that featured persistent heat - in which every day featured high temperatures of at least 89 degrees and lows were in the 70s every day - August cooled off relative to normal. The signal emerged on the first day of the month with a high of just 79 degrees and the first week of the month averaging five degrees below normal. From there, temperatures warmed above average for week 2 but then cooled for the second half of the month. Overall, the average temperature was 1.3 degrees below normal with several mornings dropping into the upper 60s. 

Precipitation for August, a typically dry month, was a marked departure from a dry July and ended up 12th wettest on record. Multiple systems brought areas of heavy rain, including the remnants of Major Hurricane Laura that made landfall in southwest LA near the end of the month and then re-curved to pass by to our north. Tropical Depression Laura also brought our windiest day of the month with wind gusts into the 30s to mid 40s mph on the 27th-28th. 

Severe weather was nearly negligible during the month of August, with the exception of a few Tornado Warnings spawned by the remnants of Laura on the evening of the 27th in northwest MS. These storms did not produce tornadoes, although there were a few weak tornadoes in northeast AR and far northwest TN from Laura. Scattered tree and power pole damage was observed in Tunica County on the 28th from Laura's remnants. Finally, flash flooding occurred in eastern Tipton County on the early morning of the 30th. Flash Flood Warnings were issued on multiple slow moving storms throughout the month with heavy downpours common.

NWS-Memphis map of tornadoes produced by the remnants of Hurricane Laura. 

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature 

Average temperature: 80.7 degrees (1.3 degrees below average) 

Average high temperature: 89.6 degrees (1.7 degrees below average) 

Average low temperature: 71.7 degrees (1.0 degrees below average) 

Warmest temperature: 97 degrees (9th, 10th, 11th) 

Coolest temperature: 65 degrees (5th) 

Heating Degrees Days: 0

Cooling Degree Days: 492 (35 below average) 

Records set or tied: None 

Comments: None

Precipitation 

Monthly total: 6.47" (3.59" above average) 

Days with measurable precipitation: 13 (6.2 days above average) 

Wettest 24-hour period: 1.93" (13th) 

Snowfall: None 

Records set or tied: None 

Comments: This month was the 12th wettest August on record.

Miscellaneous 

Peak wind: South/46 mph (28th) 

Average wind: 6.7 mph 

Average relative humidity: 69% 

Average sky cover: 50% 

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

 

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature 

Average temperature: 77.6 degrees 

Average high temperature: 88.8 degrees 

Average low temperature: 68.8 degrees 

Warmest temperature: 98.4 degrees (10th) 

Coolest temperature: 59.6 degrees (5th) 

Comments: None 

Precipitation 

Monthly total: 6.87" (automated rain gauge), 7.45" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 

Days with measurable precipitation: 12 

Wettest date: 2.06" (28th) (via automated gauge) 

Snowfall: None 

Comments: None 

Miscellaneous 

Peak wind: South/30 mph (28th)

Average relative humidity: 83% 

Average barometric pressure: 29.93 in. Hg

Comments: None

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

 

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 1.76 degrees 

MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 74% 

MWN average dewpoint error: 1.72 degrees 

MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 80% 

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

 

Climate Outlook - September 2020

The September climate outlook for the United States from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Above average temperatures are again forecast for areas in and west of the Rocky Mountains, as well as the Florida peninsula. Cooler than average temperatures are forecast for the eastern Plains into the Midwest and Ohio Valley and sections of the Mid-South. Odds slightly favor below average temperatures for Memphis (35%) versus only a 32% chance of above average temperatures. Memphis' average temperatures for September is 75.2 degrees.

Precipitation is expected to be above normal in the southeast U.S. with a strong signal for anomalously wet conditions in portions of the south-central Plains east into the middle Mississippi Valley. Drier than average weather is forecast for much of the Great Plains into the western U.S. For Memphis, odds favor above average rainfall (a 52% chance) versus only a 15% chance of below average rainfall. Precipitation historically averages only 3.09 inches in September. 

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Welcome to Meteorological Fall! A beautiful Labor Day weekend is just ahead!

Overview 

We've been feeling a bit like we have been stuck on repeat with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and muggy conditions, even as we entered "meteorological fall," the September-November period used to compute autumn climate averages. That stays true through early tomorrow but thankfully a dry weak cold front will push through, dropping our dew points! That will lead us right into the holiday weekend with abundant sunshine and comfortable humidity. Thankfully Labor Day looks pleasant with minimal rain chances but as we head into mid week next week, rain and storms return. The best part of the rain returning is the fact that it is associated our first fall-like cold front! This will drop our temperatures below average as well as our humidity! 

Climate Prediction Center's 6-10 Temperature Outlook showing below average temperatures for much of the U.S. [Valid Sept. 9-13] (NOAA/CPC)

Tonight-Friday

We're sitting fairly comfortable this afternoon across the 901! A weak cold front will move through the region Friday morning. This will keep tonight's lows on the warmer side of things in the mid 70s. A few showers will accompany the frontal passage but overall this is a relatively dry front. The front brings a bit of good news to the region too! Friday we will start with a few showers and clouds but throughout the day, skies will clear leaving us with a very pleasant afternoon. While our temperatures won't be drastically lower, with highs still in the low to mid 80s, the humidity will drop all afternoon, thus keeping our heat indices to a minimum!

NAM 3k model showing future reflectivity. Scattered showers are possible in the early overnight. [Valid Thursday 3pm - Friday 3am] (PivotalWeather)

Saturday - Sunday 

As we head into Friday night, all stray showers will be well out of our area leaving us mild and dry! Thankfully we have more of the same throughout the weekend and into early next week! We start off Saturday morning very pleasant and mild with temperatures in the 60s! Saturday will be a great day for any outdoor work that you may need to get done as we'll have abundant sunshine, highs in the upper 80s, and comfortable humidity levels. Soak it in as much as you can, as we don't get to say that a lot here in the Southeast! We have more of the same as we head into Sunday, but temperatures will start to recover a bit. Sunday afternoon will continue with plenty of sunshine but highs will be back near 90. 

Labor Day

If you have Labor Day plans, you are in luck! Our pleasant weekend will bleed over into the holiday! While humidity levels will be slightly higher, they will still be comfortable! The sun will also stick around throughout the afternoon keeping our rain chances near zero. Overall it's shaping up to be a great day for any (socially distant) Labor Day celebrations! As we head into late Monday night, rain chances begin to uptick. Thankfully most of the showers will not reach our neck of the woods until early Tuesday morning. 

Tuesday - Thursday  

Our wet pattern returns Tuesday with scattered showers and partly cloudy skies throughout the afternoon. Thankfully along with these showers comes a bit of exciting news, a cold front! throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, winds will be southerly allowing for warm moist air to move into the region. As the trough digs through the central portion of the US toward the Southeast, showers and storms will spawn across our region. We will likely see off and on rain starting Tuesday morning through Thursday morning, however, it does appear we will get a few breaks during the day. Wednesday looks to be the wettest as the frontal passage will likely occur Wednesday night and into early Thursday. This means that though Wednesday may be a bit of a wash, by Thursday afternoon, drier and cooler air will be here! 

GFS model loop showing future showers and storms ahead of a cold front that will pass early Thursday morning. [Valid Monday at midnight - Thursday at midnight] (PivotalWeather)

Temperature-wise, Tuesday will continue the warm pattern we have seen with temperatures near 90 and high humidity. Into Wednesday, clouds and rain chances will keep our highs in the upper 80s, however, Thursday's high may struggle to hit 80, well below average for this time of year! So for all of those waiting for a reason to be excited for fall, here it is! 

Saying Farewell! 

Like most I hate to say goodbye, but it has come time for me to move on in my career. I have so loved getting to be a part of this wonderful team. Erik has taught me so much and I genuinely wish him, along with the rest of his team, the very best. I will take things I learned from my experiences here with me throughout my career. So thank you to each and every one of one. I can't wait to see what's next! 

Allison Paige 
MWN Meteorologist Intern

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Follow MWN on Facebook and Twitter for routine updates and the latest info!
Complete MWN Forecast: MemphisWeather.net on the mobile web or via the MWN mobile app
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder