Stronger Storms Possible Thursday Afternoon in Memphis

The Memphis area braces for potential damaging winds and hail as a powerful storm system approaches.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:52am

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and black, depicting a brooding, ominous sky filled with dark, swirling storm clouds over a flat, desolate plain, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power of nature.As a powerful storm system approaches Memphis, the city braces for the possibility of damaging winds and hail.Memphis Today

After a rainy start to the day, the Memphis area may see a few stronger thunderstorms develop Thursday afternoon and evening. The storms could produce damaging wind gusts and hail, but will depend on whether the atmosphere is able to 'reload' and destabilize after the morning rain showers.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms can cause significant property damage, power outages, and pose a threat to public safety in the Memphis region. The forecast for potentially stronger storms later in the day will require residents to stay weather-aware and prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

The details

The first round of showers and storms is expected to move through the Memphis area late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with some lingering rain possible during the morning commute. However, the more concerning threat for stronger storms will come later in the day, if the atmosphere is able to destabilize enough in the wake of the morning rain. These stronger storms could bring damaging wind gusts and hail.

  • Late Wednesday night through Thursday morning: Initial round of showers and storms
  • Thursday afternoon and evening: Potential for stronger thunderstorms

The players

Tyler Eliasen

The author of the original weather report published on wreg.com.

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What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the atmospheric conditions throughout the day on Thursday and issue any necessary severe thunderstorm watches or warnings for the Memphis area.

The takeaway

Residents of Memphis should stay weather-aware and prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued, as the potential for damaging winds and hail exists later in the day on Thursday.