July 2017 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

July Climate Recap

After consecutive months of below average temperatures, an anomaly in recent history, July moved back above average, but just barely. The average temperature of 83.1 degrees was about one-half degree above normal. The month as marked by a very hot spell in the third week of the month with mid to upper 90s on several consecutive days and Excessive Heat Warnings posted as heat indices climbed above 110 degrees. Slightly cooler than average weather started and ended the month.

Precipitation was fairly variable across the metro due to the nature of summertime thunderstorms. To wit, Memphis International Airport ended up with just under 4" of rain and at a deficit for the month, while MWN in Bartlett recorded over 5", which was above the July average. Most of the rain fell in the early and latter stages of the month with a hot spell mid-month resulting in little precipitation. Another example of the sporadic nature of the precipitation lies in the storm reports for the month. Flash flooding was reported in multiple locations in the metro on the 15th, yet both Memphis International Airport and MWN recorded no measurable precipitation for the date. A couple of hail and wind reports were recorded with pulse thunderstorms on various days of the month but no widespread severe weather occurred.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 83.1 degrees (0.4 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 92.3 degrees (0.7 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 73.9 degrees (0.1 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 99 degrees (21st)
Coolest temperature: 67 degrees (30th)
Heating Degrees Days: 0 (0 above average)
Cooling Degree Days: 571 (22 above average)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: 23 days recorded temperatures at or above 90 degrees, which is 2 more than an average July. Year to date, the average temperature of 65.7° remains the second warmest on record behind 2012.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 3.91" (0.68" below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 8 (0.8 days below average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 1.50" (23rd)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: Year to date, precipitation has totaled 27.37" or 84% of normal.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: North-northeast/33 mph (14th)
Average wind: 6.3 mph
Average relative humidity: 73%
Average sky cover: 40%

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

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 81.5 degrees
Average high temperature: 92.3 degrees
Average low temperature: 71.7 degrees
Warmest temperature: 98.7 degrees (22nd)
Coolest temperature: 61.1 degrees (30th)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.18" (automated rain gauge), 5.26" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 9
Wettest date: 1.26" (28th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: No measurable rain fell from the 9th-22nd, nearly two weeks.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/27 mph (1st)
Average relative humidity: 79%
Average barometric pressure: 30.00 in. Hg
Comments: None

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

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 1.27 degrees (tied for most accurate month of forecasts in 20 years of record-keeping!)
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 87%
MWN average dewpoint error: 2.02 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 68%

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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