Easter weekend and #MLK50 events - what to expect weather-wise

The wet pattern of the week has shifted east, the sun is coming out, and cooler early spring temperatures are back... for a minute. Here's what to expect as we head into the Easter weekend and next week when all eyes turn to Memphis as the life of Martin Luther King Jr. is honored.

Saturday

Friday's reprieve from recent rains (after which, believe it or not, we still aren't quite up to "average" for a normal month of March) continues into Saturday. As high pressure shifts east, southerly wind returns and becomes gusty in the afternoon. A chilly morning in the lower 40s quickly warms under bright sun and that south wind to the lower 60s by lunchtime. Morning egg hunts will be in great shape, but pack a jacket for the little tykes. By afternoon, as we approach 70°, high clouds start to roll in - the first sign of another weather shift due in early Sunday.

Easter Sunday

I wish I could say it will be a carbon copy of Saturday, but alas, we'll be under the influence of a much different, and cooler, airmass. Showers fall behind a front that arrives in the pre-dawn hours so sunrise worship services should likely be ready to move indoors with temperatures around 50°. Rain tapers off during the morning, but low pressure looks poised to travel along the front Sunday afternoon and evening, which likely brings another round of showers. The cool airmass will be noticeable with highs that may not climb much from morning lows thanks to clouds, precipitation, and a northeast breeze. In fact, some models are indicating we could actually fall into the 40s during the afternoon as rain falls. Yuck!

Plan on a rain jacket or warm sweater over those pretty Easter dresses Sunday. Rain and very cool air are expected thanks to that cold front straddled over the area! (NWS)

Monday

The cooler airmass on Sunday will realize quickly that it was unwanted, thus its stay will be brief.

Sunday's cold front turns right back around as a warm front and lifts north from whence it came, bringing a chance of morning showers, but then improving conditions by afternoon. After a low in the 40s, we'll be back near 70° by late afternoon with the sun exerting its influence and busting up the morning clouds. Overall, not a bad day at all.

Tuesday

A breezy day as low pressure approaches from the west, but high pressure maintains its grip to our east. South wind will mean warmer conditions with highs in the mid 70s after a mild start to the day. Scattered showers and thunderstorms could start to break out by afternoon though as that low and its sidekick, the cold front, approach. I'd be surprised if the day were completely dry.

The American GFS model valid overnight Tuesday night shows a widespread rain associated with the passage of a cold front (blue line) that pushes quickly to the east. Rain should be gone by Wednesday morning, (WxBell)

Models are in generally good agreement that that system moves through the Mid-South Tuesday night. It will be a wet one with showers and thunderstorms likely overnight. For now, the severe risk remains low, but it'll be worth monitoring as we get closer.

Wednesday

The actual anniversary of MLK's death will see quickly improving conditions as Tuesday night's system exits stage-east, post haste. High pressure moves back in with mostly sunny skies for much of the day as network and cable news cameras roll. It will once again be cooler, but the sun will help. We might see 60° by afternoon, but then again we might not. Hopefully, despite the event being remembered, the city will be cast in a positive light. At least we know we'll get a good pollen washing Tuesday night.

Thursday-Friday

Spring generally means a couple of frontal systems a week with rapidly-fluctuating temperatures. The end of next week begins the next warm-up, but also the arrival of yet another frontal system by late in the work week.

As always, you can stay up to date on the latest in Memphis and Mid-South weather by following our social media accounts and downloading the MemphisWeather.net app. Links are provided below.

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

----
Follow MWN on Facebook and Twitter for routine updates and the latest info!
Complete MWN Forecast: MemphisWeather.net on the mobile web or via the MWN mobile app
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

Here Comes the Rain! Here it comes again…

As allergy season has moved into full effect across the Mid-South, many have been looking to Mother Nature for some relief from the pollen-filled air. Well, the relief arrives late Tuesday night with lots of rain to come, perhaps too much for our ground to handle right now. Let’s break down the coming wet weather for the Memphis area.

The Timeline

So when does the rain begin? The HRRR model shows the rain arriving in the metro shortly after midnight tonight, and hanging on throughout much of your coming Tuesday. Some periods of rain could be heavy at times, especially overnight and into early Wednesday morning. A few thunderstorms will also be possible in this batch of rain. While there may be a brief break in the rain intensity Wednesday, there is a high likelihood of more rain and a few thunderstorms overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

The HRRR model shows rain arriving in Memphis after midnight on Tuesday night, and sticking around for much of Wednesday. (WxBell)

The key takeaway – be prepared for a wet 36 to 48 hours. Flood Watches have been issued through Thursday morning over the entire metro area ahead of this slow-moving system. The rain should finally abate once the cold front makes its final push through Thursday night.

The Threats

Perhaps the biggest threat with this wet pattern for the next two days is the amount of rainfall coming. The Memphis area will likely be measuring the rain in inches over the next 48 hours, with 2 to 4 inches of rain not out of the question. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) puts the metro in a slight (10-20%) chance of excessive rainfall for Wednesday morning through Thursday morning.

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) shows a 10-20% chance of excessive rainfall for all of the Mid-South region Wednesday into early Thursday.

There will also be a low-end severe threat to contend with on Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) puts Memphis and the surrounding area in a marginal (1/5) risk for severe thunderstorms, which could include heavy downpours, lightning, strong wind, and perhaps small hail. We do not anticipate a strong tornado threat with this system.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) puts Memphis and the surrounding area in a marginal (1/5) risk for severe weather on Wednesday. 

The Break in the Action

After the cold front pushes the rain out of the picture on Thursday night, expect much clearer conditions to begin your holiday weekend. Good Friday looks good for the weather too, with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures near normal in the mid 60s. Saturday looks quite similar as well, with highs in the upper 60s. Lows both nights drop to the mid 40s. The next chance of rain is more scattered, but could but a slight damper on those Easter Egg Hunt plans on Sunday.

Already looking ahead to your Easter Sunday plans? Stay tuned to MemphisWeather.Net on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest on the forecast. You can also check our human-verified forecasts online and on your phone with the MWN app. Team MWN will keep you covered throughout the rest of your week and over the holiday with all the weather for the Mid-South region.

Meteorologist Alex Herbst
MWN Social Media Intern

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

Easter Week forecast looks a lot like spring

Now that we are past the spring equinox and formally into the spring season, the threat of freezing/frost conditions are quickly declining and the promise of warmer days and spring rain and storms is increasing.

Monday-Tuesday

Looking ahead to Easter Week, a cold front that moved through Saturday evening will return north as a warm front early Monday morning. Scattered showers and a thunderstorm or two are expected during the early morning hours, quite possibly affecting rush hour Monday morning. Currently, there is no severe weather risk outlined by the Storm Prediction Center for our area, but a Marginal Risk is forecast to our southwest. If there is anything other than thunder and lightning, there will be a very low threat for hail.

Animation of the HRRR model forecast radar tonight through noon  Monday. Showers are possible overnight with a round of heavier rain and potentially some thunderstorms from rush hour through mid-morning Monday. (WxBell)

Once the morning round ends, probably by 9-10am, we'll be in the warm sector of a low pressure in the Plains, as that front stalls out well to our north and high pressure builds in over the southeast. This will set the stage for warmer, but mainly cloudy conditions for the rest of Monday through the day Tuesday. Southerly wind gusts Monday night and Tuesday could be in excess of 30 mph as warm, muggy Gulf air pushes temperatures well into the 60s on Monday afternoon and into the lower 70s Tuesday.

Tuesday Night-Thursday

By Tuesday night, the front to our west drops into the region and rain chances increase significantly as southwesterly upper level wind parallels the front and it stalls out over the Mid-South. With the front overhead upper level impulses will bring rounds of rainfall and likely a few thunderstorms as well, especially Wednesday.

The surface map for Wednesday morning shows a cold front directly over our area with low pressure in west TX and a large high to our east slowing up the movement of the system. The pattern forebodes a rainy mid-week period. (NOAA/WPC)

The upper level pattern at about 18,000' (500 mb) for Wednesday morning features steady southwesterly flow with moisture coming off the Pacific and an upper level low in the desert southwest. With the front oriented parallel to the upper level flow, it will be slow to move until the upper low shifts east and kicks the system out. (NOAA/WPC)

Severe storms are not expected, with the biggest hazard being copious rainfall early Wednesday through early Thursday. Rainfall totals will likely exceed 2" in the metro and could easily approach 3-4", especially in north MS. The Weather Prediction Center currently believes 4" is within the realm of possibility. Fortunately, our rainfall amounts over the past 3 weeks have been only about an inch, so the ground is capable of absorbing a fair amount of rain and the rivers are also well down from their early March crests. We'll be watching for the potential for Flash Flood Watches nonetheless.

Total rainfall through Friday morning as forecast by NOAA's Weather Prediction Center. The metro is in line for up to 4" this week.

Easter Weekend

Heading into the Easter weekend, it appear the skies will part and sunshine will make an appearance with seasonal temperatures in the 60s and cool mornings. If we can get through a soggy mid-week, we should be looking at a pleasant spring weekend to come!

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

----
Follow MWN on Facebook and Twitter for routine updates and the latest info!
Complete MWN Forecast: MemphisWeather.net on the mobile web or via the MWN mobile app
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

Volatile weather may miss Memphis, but Monday storms still expected

A potent low pressure system will pass just north of Memphis on Monday, but the timing and track of the system will likely result in muted effects for the area as compared to places to our east and south.

Sunday / Sunday night

Before that though, a cold front that slid south through the metro last evening has pushed our beautiful weather from Saturday southward, with a healthy mixture of clouds and sun dominating your Sunday and temperatures remaining about 15 degrees cooler than yesterday. As the aforementioned low pressure starts to energize in the southern plains, a "scout" upper level disturbance ahead of it, combined with yesterday's cold front returning north as a warm front, will result in evening showers tonight and a chance of rain overnight.

A strong upper level low pressure center will move from the KS/OK border at midnight tonight eastward to near Louisville by midnight Monday night. That low, and an accompanying surface low, will generate favorable conditions for severe weather along its southern flank. (NAM model, PivotalWeather)

Monday storms

By Monday morning, wind will shift to the south, a sure sign that the warm front will have moved to our north - but just barely. The low pressure to our west will be moving into the Ozarks, riding the fast train towards Nashville, and triggering scattered thunderstorms ahead of it. Accompanying the low, very strong upper level wind will result in high amounts of wind shear - one ingredient necessary in the production of severe storms. Another key ingredient, instability, will be less than ideal though, given the timing of the storms during the morning to mid-day hours, before the warm sector of the storm has a chance to really boil over. Thus, the lift generated by the approaching low will result in scattered thunderstorms, but the lack of appreciable instability (the main "fuel" for storms) will likely be insufficient to take advantage of the high amounts of shear over the area.

The result: scattered storms for the Memphis area during the post-morning rush hour through lunchtime period (about 9am-2pm) on Monday that could contain a few strong wind gusts and small hail, but likely not producers of damaging wind or hail, nor tornadoes. We are in a Marginal Risk of severe weather (level 1 on the 5-point scale) for Monday, with areas not far to our east a level higher and under a Slight Risk.

An Enhanced Risk of severe weather exists Monday for middle TN and north MS. The Memphis metro is on the edge of a Marginal Risk, category 1 on the 5-point scale. (SPC)

Meanwhile, to our east...

As the low moves east however, it will encounter an even warmer airmass with strong wind shear that could be capable of very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and even a few tornadoes. The most likely area for that to occur is from southern middle TN into north AL and northwest GA during the afternoon and evening hours, where an Enhanced Risk of severe weather is currently forecast (level 3 on the scale). In other words, the nearby track of the low earlier in the day will likely keep the Memphis metro from being under as volatile an airmass as areas to our east.

The Supercell Composite index, a measure of the capability of the atmosphere to produce supercells capable of severe storms, is maximized near the TN/AL border at mid-afternoon (4pm) according to the high-resolution NAM3 model. This index remains very low, mainly south of I-40, during the morning hours when we are most likely to see thunderstorms. (PivotalWeather)

As those areas to our east remain weather-aware, we're likely to see some afternoon sunshine that allows temperatures to rise into the mid 70s again. Gusty southwest wind is also expected as the low passes just to our north.

Remainder of the week

Behind this system, clouds wrap around back into the Mid-South as much cooler air filters back in on northerly wind. An embedded upper level system wrapping around the departed low will bring scattered showers on Tuesday with temperatures about 20° cooler than Monday, or in the mid 50s. A couple of cool mornings are expected with lows in the upper 30s Wednesday and Thursday mornings, but highs will slowly climb back into the mid 60s by week's end. Southerly flow re-establishes itself by Friday with more rain chances arriving in time for the weekend.

Stay in touch with our weather updates tomorrow via our social media feeds and mobile app and prepare for a few more chilly days to interrupt the blossoming of spring in Memphis!

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

----
Follow MWN on Facebook and Twitter for routine updates and the latest info!
Complete MWN Forecast: MemphisWeather.net on the mobile web or via the MWN mobile app
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

February 2018 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

February Climate Recap

With a wet pattern dominating the weather in February, temperatures also were well above average due to increased moisture content in the atmosphere. For the month, the average temperature was 4.3 degrees above average, which ranks in the 88th percentile for warmth or 17th warmest February on record. High and low temperatures both averaged 4.3 degrees above average, so neither contributed more to the daily anomaly than the other.Three daily records were set or tied during the latter half of the month. Only six days saw average temperatures more than 2 degrees below the climatological average.

Precipitation was the big story for the month with three days recording near or more than two inches of rain, including 1.99" on the 10th, 2.82" on the 21st, and 3.12" on the 28th. Overall, two-thirds of the days in February had measurable rain with an average cloud cover for the month of 80%. With all of the rain came some periods of minor flash flooding, although river flooding at the end of the month into the first few days of March was the bigger impact as the Mississippi River climbed above flood stage and local tributaries such as the Loosahatchie and Wolf Rivers also overflowed their banks.

February 2018 was the in the top 3 wettest on record for ten states that drain into the Ohio or Mississippi Rivers, resulting in flooding late in the month into early March in both basins, including the Mississippi River at Memphis. (NOAA/CPC)

For the months comprising meteorological winter (November 2017-January 2018), the average temperature was 43.0 degrees, which is 0.4 degrees below the long-term average. Precipitation totaled 24.95", which was 10.84" above average and ranks seventh wettest on record.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 49.8 degrees (4.3 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 59.0 degrees (4.3 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 40.6 degrees (4.3 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 77 degrees (19th, 20th)
Coolest temperature: 24 degrees (2nd, 5th)
Heating Degrees Days: 433 (115 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 14 (12 above average)
Records set or tied: February 19th: 77° (tied record high); February 15th: 65° (record warmest low); February 20th: 66° (record warmest low)
Comments: February 2018 was the 17th warmest on record.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 13.43" (9.04" above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 19
Wettest 24-hour period: 3.12" (28th)
Snowfall: 0.0" (1.3" below average)
Records set or tied: February 28th: 3.12" (daily record set); February 1-28: 13.43" (monthly record set)
Comments: Precipitation for the month set the all-time February record. Nine days recorded more than 0.5" and 2 days saw more than an inch fall.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/41 mph (24th)
Average wind: 9.5 mph
Average relative humidity: 75%
Average sky cover: 80%

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

Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 48.7 degrees
Average high temperature: 58.8 degrees
Average low temperature: 38.9 degrees
Warmest temperature: 78.6 degrees (19th)
Coolest temperature: 21.7 degrees (8th)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 11.79" (automated rain gauge), 13.75" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 19
Wettest date: 2.56" (28th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: Four days recorded more than 1" of rain, while two days have more than 2" of rain.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/29 mph (4th)
Average relative humidity: 80%
Average barometric pressure: 30.20 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: 56%
MWN average dewpoint error: 3.01 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 49%

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

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

Spring break arrives - wish the weather were better!

The past couple of days have been cold relatively speaking - compared to both early March averages and recent history - but that trend ends for a few days as the pattern turns wet once again.

As high pressure shifts east, wind has turned around to the south and will be quite breezy today with afternoon gusts to 25 mph. However, that will help to push the mercury back into the 60s despite more cloud cover than previous days. Heading into the overnight, the next system to our west starts to organize and the southerly flow (resulting in increased moisture from the Gulf) brings a chance of showers before dawn Saturday morning.

With high pressure along the southeast coast, southerly flow over the Mid-South means increasing moisture and chances of rain. Low pressure over west TX will move east, grazing just south of the metro Saturday night. Surface map valid midnight tonight. (NWS)

Our computer models that are normally pretty reliable within 3-4 days have been struggling with the pattern for the first weekend of Spring Break. There are still some differences, but all now forecast a weak low pressure system to move by just south of Memphis Saturday night. The differences lie in the strength of the low and placement of heavier rainfall. While Saturday looks to feature scattered showers (likely not all-day rain), overnight Saturday night likely will be the wettest period of the weekend. The axis of heaviest precipitation will likely be across north MS/AL, where over 2" of rain could fall this weekend. In the Memphis area, an inch would not be unexpected and also would not result in additional flooding issues given the recent dry days of late, allowing the ground to dry some and the smaller rivers/creeks to return to normal levels. With the track of the low just to our south, we can't rule out a few thunderstorms, but most will be to our south and southwest, as will any chances of severe weather. Temperatures should also remain mild with highs Saturday in the lower 60s.

The severe weather outlook for Saturday and Saturday night shows that a few thunderstorms will be possible in the metro (lightest green), but the severe weather chances (darker green to yellow) will remain south of the area. (SPC)

As the low departs Sunday, "backlash" cloudiness and scattered showers will be possible as an upper level low pushes the system to the east, but brings those rain chances as well. Temperatures will also remain in the 50s all day and a north wind will kick up quite a bit by afternoon. Overall, not a real promising way to start an extended break for most of the school kids in the area!

Total precipitation through Sunday evening as forecast by the NWS. It shows an inch or a little more in the Memphis area, while I believe we could trend down a bit more and end up with a little less than that. Saturday night appears to be the wettest part of the weekend, but neither Saturday or Sunday will likely be completely dry. (WxBell)

If you don't like the rain on Spring Break, then there is good news - the rest of the week looks to be dry. However... cooler air arrives again, lasting much of the week. Lows will be back down into the 30s with highs only in the 50s from Monday through Thursday. We should start to see a warming trend heading into the final weekend of the break, though it could also become wet again. Sunny and 70° just isn't in the forecast quite yet - but we'll be there soon enough! Early March weather always tends to feature a few surprises as the seasons really start to change.

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

Typical early spring week ahead - warm rain, cold sun, then warm rain again!

The past few days have reminded of how beautiful early spring can be in the Mid-South! Crisp mornings have given way to mild afternoons as highs have reached the 60s. Outside of some afternoon clouds today, sunny skies were a welcome sight after deluges to end the month of February.

Tulip magnolias or saucer magnolias...not tulip poplars.😉🌸 https://t.co/NZ31h2llru

— Joyce Peterson (@MemphoNewsLady) March 4, 2018

The week starts wet

Unfortunately, a beautiful weekend leads to a rainy Sunday night and Monday, but at least rainfall amounts will be "tolerable" as compared to, well, seemingly every time it rained last month, but especially earlier this week! With 4.64" of rain in less than 48 hours - from Tuesday evening through Thursday late morning - February rainfall shot into the record books with an official total of 13.43" - more than 2" higher than the previous record set in the late 19th century!

Total amounts over the next 24 hours should be in the 1/2" range with the steadiest rainfall occurring from around midnight tonight through rush hour Monday morning. Scattered showers, and a possible afternoon thunderstorm, are expected Monday until a front arrives in the early evening to bring the rain to an end.

Forecast rainfall amounts through 6pm Monday from the high-resolution ensemble forecast (HREF) model. Memphis is forecast to receive about 1/2" according to this, and most other, model data. (NOAA/SPC)

Mid-Week Forecast

Behind the departing system, Tuesday looks decent with mostly sunny skies and highs in the lower 60s, though a brisk northwest wind is a harbinger of things to come in the temperature department. Reminding us that cold spells in early March are not rare, the mid-week period will feature highs barely above 50° and lows dropping close to freezing in the city and likely below freezing in rural areas. Hopefully not much damage is done to budding plants and flowers that have flourished on the above average temperatures and abundant rainfall in February!

Be watching for national weather news to feature another significant storm for the northeastern U.S. during the mid-week period, which will help to drive that colder air on its western flank down into our region!

As another Nor'Easter rocks the major metros in the northeastern U.S. with wind and snow later this week, cold air on its backside will dive south into the south-central U.S. courtesy of building high pressure of Canadian origin. (PivotalWx)

Early look at Spring Break weekend

As we get towards the first weekend of Spring Break for many, the thermometer starts to climb again, but so do the rain chances. Early indications are that next weekend could be a wet one once again. Yes, another potentially wet Saturday that have come far too often this year! I hope you enjoyed this weekend!

River flooding

While significant land-based flooding was avoided during this past week's heavy rain, the rivers are high, and climbing. On the Mississippi River at Memphis, where flood stage is 34', the river is at 38' as of 4pm and peaking near 39' over the next few days. It is projected to remain above flood stage for at least the next couple of weeks. For comparison, this crest would be just short of the 39.6' crest reached in 2016, but well short of the 48' it reached in 2011 when national media "waded" in the river at the foot of Beale Street. However, if the river rises a few inches above the projected crest, which is possible, this year's spring flood would rank in the top 10 historically at Memphis. Water levels on tributaries like the Looshatchie and Wolf Rivers will remain high the next couple weeks as high water levels on the main stem don't allow these feeder rivers to empty.

A hydrograph (past/forecast river levels) of the Mississippi River at Memphis shows a rapid climb of nearly 10 feet over the past week (blue) and a forecast crest (purple dots) near 39' in the coming days. Currently, the river is not expected to drop back below flood stage until March 18. (NWS)

Overall, the week ahead doesn't look too bad, book-ended by rain chances and with a dip in temperatures mid-week. It looks a lot like an early spring forecast! Follow us all week on social media as we provide updates every day on Facebook and Twitter. Also be sure to download the MemphisWeather.net mobile app for the latest conditions, radar, and most recent update to the human-powered MWN Forecast. All links are below.

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder

Severe Weather Awareness 2018: Weather Radio and Mobile Alert Apps

Today's Severe Weather Awareness Week topic covers a couple of ways of receiving warning information - NOAA Weather Radio and mobile alert apps. We have always advocated for having multiple ways to receive warnings, as no one solution is fool-proof or immune from dissemination issues.

Weather radio is the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides continuous weather information 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The nationwide network of weather radio stations provides the public with the fastest most reliable source of up-to-date weather information directly from the National Weather Service. You need a special radio to receive weather radio broadcasts, a radio that is capable of receiving signals in the very high frequency public service band.

Broadcasts may vary, but generally include area forecasts, present weather conditions, short-term forecasts, climatic data, river and lake stage forecasts, and other specialized information. The broadcasts are updated continuously. Weather radio is useful anytime, but it is most important when severe weather threatens. During periods of severe weather, routine programming is interrupted, and the focus shifted to the local severe weather threat. In an emergency, a warning alarm tone is broadcast that activates specially designed receivers to turn on automatically, or to produce a visual or audible alarm.

A typical NOAA Weather Radio console setup in an NWS office.

MemphisWeather.net strongly encourages every home to have a NOAA Weather Radio.  These devices are as important as smoke detectors and possess the same capability to save your life in the middle of the night.  Specifically, our favorites are from Midland and include the basic desktop version (WR-120, pictured at top).  It can be purchased at retailers such as Walgreen's, Kroger, and other discount stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon for about $30-40. Learn more about NOAA Weather Radio on MWN's Weather Radio page.

Alternative to Weather Radio - Mobile Apps

One problem with Weather Radio and warnings sirens for that matter is that they alert on a COUNTY-wide basis, even if the warning issued by the National Weather Service is for only a small portion of the county. To know if YOUR LOCATION is in the warned area, we highly recommend our personalized weather warning service, StormWatch+, which can be added to our MWN mobile apps for iPhone and Android.  StormWatch+ pairs the NWS polygons (or warning boxes that are drawn irrespective of county borders) with your GPS-provided location to send push notifications in the event that YOU are in harm's way. No more alerts when the storm is 20-30 miles away and not a threat to your area! Learn more about StormWatch+ at StormWatchPlus.com and get personalized weather alerts in the palm of your hand!

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder