December 2017 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

December Climate Recap

The month of December was marked by a series of frontal systems that brought large temperature swings and periods of wet weather. After starting very warm, multiple days of cool weather followed a front that brought about an inch of rain. Despite a couple of warmer days, temperatures were a bit below average from the 5th through 15th. Another warm and wet spell resulted in several inches of rain in the third week of the month. As Christmas approached, temperatures dropped precipitously with well below average conditions experienced through the final week of the month. That week put the nail in the coffin of a colder than average month with above normal rainfall that nearly put the year right on par for precipitation. Despite the very cold temperatures at the end of the month (the period from Christmas to New Year's Eve was the 12th coldest on record), the only record set was a daily rainfall mark, eclipsed on December 22 when over 3" of rain fell. Flash Flood Warnings were issued for portions of the metro on that day, otherwise no severe weather occurred during the month.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 42.4 degrees (1.2 degrees below average)
Average high temperature: 51.2 degrees (0.9 degrees below average)
Average low temperature: 33.6 degrees (1.5 degrees below average)
Warmest temperature: 71 degrees (4th)
Coolest temperature: 14 degrees (31st)
Heating Degrees Days: 693 (28 above average)
Cooling Degree Days: 0 (2 below average)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 7.26" (1.52" above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 8
Wettest 24-hour period: 3.33" (22nd)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: Record daily precipitation of 3.33" was recorded on the 22nd.
Comments:  None

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/37 mph (22nd)
Average wind: 7.7 mph
Average relative humidity: 66%
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: 41.3 degrees
Average high temperature: 51.4 degrees
Average low temperature: 31.4 degrees
Warmest temperature: 72.0 degrees (4th)
Coolest temperature: 13.2 degrees (31st)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 7.18" (automated rain gauge), 7.96" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 9
Wettest date: 3.26" (22nd) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: South/21 mph (13th)
Average relative humidity: 73%
Average barometric pressure: 30.21 in. Hg
Comments: None

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

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 2.70 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 50%
MWN average dewpoint error: 2.38 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 59%

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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