A weather pattern typical of Memphis - in May!

After a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and slowly falling humidity, we will see a return of wet weather tomorrow associated with our next weather system. Clouds will increase tonight due to an approaching warm front while tomorrow scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible, especially in the afternoon as surface moisture increases. By Thursday the low pressure system will be departing the area and temperatures and dew points will fall accordingly. Towards the weekend rain chances will return (including possible impacts on the Sunset Symphony), but first lets get into the forecast details for the work week.

Surface forecast map from the Weather Prediction Center, Valid for 1 PM Wednesday

The surface weather forecast from the Weather Prediction Center shows chances for showers and thunderstorms in the metro during the day on Wednesday associated with the low pressure system to our west and approaching warm front to our south. You will want to have an umbrella handy during the day though rain chances will decrease as we head into the evening as the low pressure swings through the Mid-South.

GFS modeled temperatures for 1 PM Wednesday

Precipitation won't be our only threat with this system, as we will have a fairly significant temperature gradient set-up on Wednesday between the separate air masses. Temperatures could be pushing near 80 in Memphis while in northeastern Arkansas they could be as low as the upper 50's, according to one weather model.

Very nice weather is expected behind tomorrow's system. During the day on Thursday we will struggle to reach the mid 70's and as we head into Thursday night temperatures will dip into the upper 50's! Friday will be a gorgeous day as well with partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the upper 70's, and relatively dry air.

As we approach the weekend, rain chances will begin to increase, starting with a chance of an isolated thunderstorm Saturday afternoon, which could impact the final Memphis in May Sunset Symphony at Tom Lee Park (but we're hopeful it won't!). However, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday as warmer, more humid air makes its way into the region.

You can get the full updated forecast on the MWN website or in our mobile app with customized StormWatch+ alerts (link below).

William Churchill
MWN Social Media Intern

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