July 2016 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

July Recap

After a hot and dry June, July remained hot, but had precipitation that totaled well above normal. The month ended as the 8th warmest July on record, following a June that was 7th hottest. Persistent heat was a major factor during the month with all but three days above 90 degrees and a high of 100 degrees on the 22nd (the first 100-degree reading since August 24, 2014). In addition, a stretch of 51 straight days with low temperatures at or above 70 degrees was ongoing at the end of the month, which was tied for 6th longest such streak on record in Memphis.

In terms of precipitation, thunderstorms were abundant during the month, providing average or above average rainfall in most metro locations. Despite the excess, dryness that had built prior to the month resulted in the entire metro being categorized in a D0 ("Abnormally Dry") drought condition for much of July before returning to normal by the first of August.

Precipitation for the month was generally above normal for most of the metro expect the far norther reaches.

Severe to extreme drought plagues most of north MS by early August, but recent rain in the metro leaves most of the immediate area either without drought or just "abnormally dry." Graphic courtesy of The Drought Monitor.

There were a few reports of severe weather in the metro in July, mostly associated with heavy rainfall or scattered summer storms that produced strong wind gusts. Measured storm total rainfall amounts of 4.5-5.0" were received on the 28th from Lakeland, TN and Southaven, MS. Wind damage reports occurred from storms in different parts of the metro on the 4th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, and 29th. The official observing station at Memphis International recorded a wind gust of 66 mph on the 29th from a microburst, which reportedly moved a couple of jet aircraft that were parked at the FedEx SuperHub. Finally, nickel to quarter size hail fell in Shelby County on the 15th.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 85.0 degrees (2.3 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 93.7 degrees (2.1 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 76.3 degrees (2.5 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 100 degrees (22nd)
Coolest temperature: 72 degrees (11th, 29th, 30th)
Records set or tied: Record warm high temperature of 80 degrees tied on July 26.
Comments: 28 days recorded highs at or above 90 degrees in July, which is 7 more than average. This month tied for the 8th warmest July on record in Memphis. For the year, the average temperature is 64.5 degrees, which is 2.0 degrees above normal and ties for fourth warmest January-July period on record with 1880, slightly behind 1921 and 2006, and nearly 3 degrees behind 2012.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 8.02" (3.43" above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 13 (4.2 days above normal)
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.23" (27th-28th)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: Three days recorded one inch of rain or more. Through the first seven months of 2016, Memphis International Airport has recorded 44.28" of precipitation, or 11.78" above average (136%). That also ranks as 9th wettest on record for the January-July period.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: East/66 mph (20th)
Average wind: 6.5 mph
Average relative humidity: 68%
Average sky cover: 60%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 82.6 degrees
Average high temperature: 92.7 degrees
Average low temperature: 74.2 degrees
Warmest temperature: 99.4 degrees (22nd)
Coolest temperature: 70.2 degrees (16th)
Comments: None.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 4.42" (automated rain gauge), 4.58" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 11
Wettest date: 1.02" (4th) (via automated gauge)
Comments: None

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: 18 mph (22nd)
Average relative humidity: 81%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 1.64 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 76%
MWN average dewpoint error: 1.43 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 80%

MWN's forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.

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