Summer makes a return, but only briefly

After a nearly week-long stretch of beautiful fall-like weather and temperatures well below normal, summer has made its presence felt once again across the Mid-South, with temperatures returning back to the 90-degree level Monday for the first time since September 3. Fortunately, our next cold front is not far off in the future, which will keep summer’s return brief, and also bring our next decent chance for rainfall.

Before that, another couple of warm days are expected. After a low in the upper 60s Monday night, temperatures will again reach the lower 90s on Tuesday. Humidity levels, though perhaps slightly higher than Monday, should still be tolerable, keeping the heat from becoming oppressive. By Tuesday night, increased moisture and cloud cover will begin streaming back into the region ahead of the approaching cold front. One more warm day is expected on Wednesday with temperatures back near 90, but the chance for a few showers and thunderstorms will enter the picture as the front pushes closer during the day.

The best chances for rain and scattered thunderstorms look to be on Wednesday night into Thursday as the front moves through the metro, which could make for a wet morning rush hour. As the front clears the region Thursday night, high pressure will begin to build in, though a few upper level disturbances may keep some clouds and a slight chance for a few showers around into Friday and early Saturday.

Dry conditions are then looking on tap for the remainder of the weekend, before rain chances may see a return early next week. The front’s passage Thursday means the much cooler temperatures will be back, with highs in the 70s on Thursday and Friday, nearing 80 by Saturday. Lows will also be at very pleasant levels, with readings near 60, and 50s possible especially in the outlying areas. Temperatures will rebound back into the 80s Sunday and next Monday. For full forecast details, visit MWN.

--Kevin Terry, MemphisWeather.net

GFS model forecast for 7am Thursday shows possible rain in the metro area (click for larger image)

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