Record Heat Forecast Ahead of Stormy Weekend in Memphis

Strong southerly flow brings warm, moist air and potential for severe storms

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A strong southerly flow is driving warm, moist Gulf air into the Memphis area, leading to record high temperatures on Friday. However, a cold front is expected to bring rain and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms on Saturday, with the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

Why it matters

Extreme weather events like record heat and severe storms can pose significant risks to public safety, disrupt daily life, and impact infrastructure. Advance warning allows residents to prepare and take necessary precautions.

The details

Temperatures in Memphis are forecast to reach the lower 80s on Friday, potentially breaking records. The warm, humid conditions are being fueled by a strong southerly flow bringing Gulf air into the region. On Saturday, a cold front is expected to move through, bringing rain and the potential for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

  • Overnight lows on Thursday will be in the low to mid 60s.
  • Friday afternoon highs are forecast to reach the lower 80s.
  • Scattered showers are expected late Friday night, with overnight lows in the mid 60s.
  • Saturday will see cloudy skies, rain, and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, with highs in the lower 70s and overnight lows in the upper 50s.
  • Sunday will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers, with highs near 70 and overnight lows near 60.

The players

Ron Childers

Chief Meteorologist at ACTION NEWS 5 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“A strong southerly flow continues to drive warm moist Gulf air into the Mid-South keeping temperatures well above average and a few showers for some.”

— Ron Childers, Chief Meteorologist (actionnews5.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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