Memphis Weather: Major Temperature Swing and Heavy Rain Forecast—What to Expect This Week

A stubborn low-pressure system spinning over the Mid-South is soaking Memphis this morning, and it is only the first act of a weeklong weather roller-coaster. Steady light to moderate rain will continue through tonight, occasionally mixing with wind gusts up to 30 mph, keeping temperatures stuck in the upper 50s to near 60 °F. Hour-by-hour snapshot • 9 a.m. – Rain, 58 °F, northeast wind 15–25 mph • Noon – Heavier showers, 60 °F, gusts 30 mph • 3 p.m. – Rain tapering to drizzle, 59 °F • 7 p.m. – Scattered sprinkles, 55 °F • Midnight – Cloudy, 51 °F A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 9 p.m., and localized ponding is possible on low-lying roads. Rain totals of 0.50"–1" are expected by sunrise Thursday. Turning sharply colder Behind the departing low, a Canadian air mass dives south Friday, dropping highs to the mid-50s and lows to the upper 30s. The National Weather Service has already hoisted a Freeze Watch for Saturday night into Sunday morning, when some suburbs could touch 29 °F for the first time this season. Gardeners should plan to bring potted plants indoors and protect tender vegetation. Halloween weekend outlook • Saturday: Partly sunny, breezy, 56 °F. • Saturday night (trick-or-treat events): Clear, 7 p.m. temp near 49 °F, falling to 37 °F by dawn Sunday. • Sunday: Bright sunshine, cool, 58 °F. Travel & events impacts – Expect wet runways at Memphis International through early Thursday; minor flight delays are possible. – High School Football playoffs Friday could feel winter-like; bundle up in layers and hand warmers. – The RiverArtsFest in Downtown should enjoy dry but brisk conditions Saturday afternoon. Cold-weather prep checklist 1. Check space heaters for frayed cords before first use. 2. Detach garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets. 3. Change HVAC filters; furnaces will run longer this weekend. 4. Stock up on pet bedding—overnight wind chills will be below freezing. Bottom line Memphis weather turns from soggy to downright chilly over the next 72 hours, ending the month with the first real taste of winter. Keep the umbrella handy today, but have coats and gloves ready for the weekend cooldown.