You’re probably looking at the sky over the Mississippi River right now and wondering if you should keep the heavy parka in the trunk or if that random 65-degree day is actually coming back. Honestly, Memphis weather is a mood. One day you’re grabbing a dry-rub rib at Central BBQ in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re watching the news for "bread and milk" alerts because a dusting of snow just shut down Poplar Avenue.
Right now, the memphis extended weather forecast is showing a pretty sharp divide. We are currently sitting in a cold snap that isn't playing around. As of January 18, 2026, the city is shivering at 32°F, but the real kicker is the wind chill making it feel like 25°F. If you’ve got plans this week, you’re basically looking at a slow climb out of the freezer before things get really interesting next weekend.
The 10-Day Outlook: A Heavy Hitter is Lurking
Most people think Memphis winters are just "chilly rain." Usually, they're right. But the current data from the National Weather Service and local tracking suggests a significant shift is coming.
Monday, January 19, stays stubborn with a high of only 35°F. It’s going to be mostly cloudy, which just makes the humidity feel heavier. By Tuesday and Wednesday, we finally break into the 40s. Specifically, Wednesday, January 21, looks like the "warm" spot of the week with a high of 46°F. Don't get too excited though; that warmth comes with a 25% chance of rain.
Then there's Saturday, January 24. This is the date you need to circle.
The forecast is currently calling for a heavy snow storm. We’re talking about a 75% chance of precipitation with a high of only 25°F. In a city that treats two inches of snow like a literal apocalypse, this could be a major event. The wind is expected to kick up to 13 mph from the northeast, which means blowing snow and visibility issues.
Why the Memphis Extended Weather Forecast is Acting Up
Climate-wise, we are in a weird spot. We've been under a La Niña advisory, which typically means the Mid-South sees warmer and drier conditions. But as of January 2026, NOAA is tracking a transition toward "ENSO-neutral" conditions.
Basically, the atmospheric "steering wheel" is loose.
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When La Niña weakens, it opens the door for Arctic air to dip further south than usual. That’s exactly what’s happening with this late January freeze. Historically, January is our coldest month anyway, with an average high of 51°F and a low of 33°F. We are currently trending well below those averages.
If you're looking further out into February 2026, the Old Farmer’s Almanac and long-range models suggest a bit of a rebound. February is actually predicted to be about 3°F warmer than the historical average of 55°F. So, if you can survive this upcoming snow storm, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel.
Breaking Down the Next Few Days
- Sunday Night (Jan 18): Clear and brutal. Low of 18°F.
- Monday (Jan 19): M.L. King Day stays grey. High 35°F, Low 23°F.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Sunny but deceptive. High 44°F.
- The Weekend (Jan 24-25): This is the danger zone. The heavy snow storm on Saturday transitions into snow showers on Sunday with a high of 31°F.
What This Means for Your Plans
If you’re traveling into Memphis or just trying to live your life, the memphis extended weather forecast suggests you shouldn't trust the "sunny" icons on your phone too much. The humidity in the Bluff City—currently around 51% but expected to spike to 70% by mid-week—makes the cold feel like it’s biting into your bones.
For the locals: check your pipes. With lows hitting 16°F by Friday night, those outdoor faucets need covers.
For the visitors: If you’re here for the music and the history, stick to the indoor spots like the Stax Museum or Sun Studio. Just know that if that Saturday snow storm hits the 75% probability mark, Uber wait times are going to be legendary and half the city will likely go into "hibernation mode."
Keep an eye on the wind direction. We're seeing a lot of North and Northeast winds this week. That’s the "cold" pipe. When it flips to the South, like it will briefly on Tuesday, that’s your window to actually enjoy a walk through Overton Park without losing feeling in your nose.
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Stay warm, keep the salt handy for the driveway, and maybe buy your groceries before Friday afternoon. You know how this city gets when the "S" word starts trending on Twitter.
Next Steps for Staying Safe:
- Insulate your pipes before Friday, January 23, when the overnight low drops to a dangerous 16°F.
- Monitor the Saturday storm track closely; a 75% chance of heavy snow usually leads to significant local closures.
- Check your vehicle’s battery and tire pressure now, as the sustained sub-freezing temperatures can trigger failures in older equipment.