If you’ve lived in the Mid-South for more than a week, you know the drill. One day you’re walking down Beale Street in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re digging through the attic for that heavy parka you swore you wouldn't need this year. Honestly, that's exactly where we are right now. This 7-day forecast for Memphis is a textbook example of how quickly the Mississippi River valley can turn from "kinda chilly" to "absolutely freezing."
Right now, as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the air feels heavy. We’re sitting at about 49°F with thick cloud cover and a persistent 35% chance of rain that’s been teasing us all morning. It’s that damp, Memphis gray that makes you want to stay inside with a bowl of Central BBQ. But don't get too comfortable with these middle-of-the-road temperatures. The National Weather Service in Memphis has been tracking a sharp cold front that’s about to change the vibe entirely.
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What to Expect Over the Next Week
The "big drop" happens between today and tomorrow. Today’s high is a respectable 51°F, but as the sun goes down, a northwest wind is going to kick up to 15 mph. By the time you wake up Thursday morning, the mercury will have plummeted to 27°F. That is a 24-degree swing in less than twelve hours. Basically, if you leave your garden hose attached tonight, you’re going to have a bad time tomorrow.
Thursday is going to be a shock to the system. Even with the sun coming out, the high is only expected to hit 39°F. That’s ten degrees below our average for mid-January. If you’re heading to a Grizzlies game or just grabbing dinner at Overton Square, remember that the wind chill is going to make it feel like the low 30s all day.
The Short-Lived Friday Warm-Up
There is a tiny silver lining on Friday, January 16. We’ll see a brief bump back up to 49°F. It’s sort of a "fake spring" moment—the kind that tricks you into thinking winter is over. It isn't. This little warm-up is just the atmosphere catching its breath before the real Arctic air moves in for the weekend.
The Weekend Outlook: Get the Space Heaters Ready
Saturday and Sunday are when things get serious. We’re looking at highs that struggle to get out of the 30s. Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 38°F and a low of 22°F. Sunday is even more brutal, with a projected high of only 31°F.
Yes, you read that right. Sunday may not even break the freezing mark.
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When it gets this cold in Memphis, the humidity makes it feel different than a "dry cold" out west. It gets into your bones. The National Weather Service is already mentioning wind chill values that could dip into the single digits or low teens by Sunday morning. While we aren't seeing a major "winter storm" with feet of snow in this particular 7-day forecast for Memphis, there is a lingering 10% chance of light snow flurries on Saturday. It’s mostly just going to be dry, bitter air.
Monday and Tuesday: No Immediate Relief
Looking ahead to the start of next week, the pattern holds steady.
- Monday, Jan 19: High of 37°F / Low of 21°F. Mostly sunny but deceptive.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: High of 36°F / Low of 21°F. Still freezing.
Why This Forecast Matters for Your House
Memphis infrastructure isn't always built for prolonged stretches below freezing. We aren't Minneapolis. When we see three or four nights in a row with lows in the low 20s, that’s when pipes start to burst in older Midtown homes. It’s also when MLGW starts seeing record demand on the grid.
Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is. It sounds like overkill, but finding it at 2:00 AM while water is spraying in your crawlspace is a nightmare. Open the cabinets under your sinks to let the warmer house air reach the pipes. It's a simple move that saves thousands in repairs.
Don't Forget the Pets and Plants
If you have those "hardy" outdoor plants that usually survive a light frost, this weekend might be their breaking point. Bring them in. As for pets, if it's too cold for you to stand outside in a light jacket for thirty minutes, it's definitely too cold for them to be out all night.
Final Reality Check
This 7-day forecast for Memphis is a reminder that January is officially the coldest month of the year here. We're averaging about 4°F below our typical historical norms for this week. While the Farmers' Almanac predicted a "chill, snow, repeat" season, so far we're getting plenty of the chill and just a hint of the snow.
Stay weather-aware as we move into the weekend. Forecasts this far out can shift by a few degrees, and in Memphis, the difference between 33°F and 31°F is the difference between a rainy commute and a city-wide shutdown.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your vehicle: Ensure your tire pressure is correct, as cold air causes it to drop significantly.
- Drip your faucets: Start doing this on Saturday night when the temperature is sustained below 32°F.
- Download a radar app: Keep an eye on those Saturday flurries; while accumulation looks unlikely, Memphis bridges get slick fast.