March 2017 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

March Recap

After a string of 8 of the past 9 months ending in their respective top 10 warmest, March yielded just slightly, but was still three degrees above normal. A string of days from the 11th-16th produced well below normal temperatures, otherwise every other day except one was at or above the normal daily temperature for that day. During the cold streak, which saw highs mainly in the 40s and lows in the 30s, a record low was tied on the 15th when the mercury dropped to 25 degrees. However, warmth came back with a vengeance and a record high was tied 5 days later at 85 degrees! In fact, it was above 70 degrees two days later.

With respect to precipitation, March is typically wet and there was abundant rainfall, but the airport officially ended about an inch and a half shy of the average March. During the cold spell, a snow event affected northern sections of the metro, northeast AR, and northwest TN on the 11th. The airport officially recorded a trace of snow, although just over 1/2" fell at MWN in north Bartlett and 2-3" fell in the far northern metro (see graphic below). Again on the 13th and 14th, traces of snow occurred. As for severe weather reports it was a fairly active month as can happen in March as spring sets in. Multiple hail reports were received from storms on the 27th while wind reports were received on the 1st, 7th, 10th and 30th, mainly in the form of downed trees.

A snow event occurred on March 11th as a cold front moved through the Mid-South. Snowfall generally tapered from north to south with highest amounts in the metro occurring in Tipton County (2-3 inches). Graphic courtesy NWS-Memphis.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 57.0 degrees (3.0 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 66.9 degrees (3.0 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 47.1 degrees (3.0 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 85 degrees (20th)
Coolest temperature: 25 degrees (15th)
Heating Degrees Days: 280 (78 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 38 (21 above average)
Records set or tied: A record low temperature was tied on the 15th (25°). Five days later on the 20th, the record high temperature of 85° was tied.
Comments: Three days recorded low temperatures at or below freezing, which is the long-term average.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 3.61" (1.55" below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 12 (1.5 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 1.03" (7th)
Snowfall: Trace (0.4" below average)
Records set or tied: A trace of snow on the 11th tied the record snowfall for the date.
Comments: A trace of snow was recorded on 3 days - the 11th, 13th, and 14th.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southeast/47 mph (29th)
Average wind: 10.1 mph
Average relative humidity: 61%
Average sky cover: 50%

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

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 57.0 degrees
Average high temperature: 67.9 degrees
Average low temperature: 45.1 degrees
Warmest temperature: 86.6 degrees (20th)
Coolest temperature: 25.1 degrees (15th)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 3.82" (automated rain gauge), 4.09" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 15
Wettest date: 0.94" (7th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: 0.6" (11th)
Comments: None

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southeast/34 mph (30th)
Average relative humidity: 68%
Average barometric pressure: 30.16 in. Hg

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

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 2.84 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 47%
MWN average dewpoint error: 3.67 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 39%

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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