September 2019 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

September Climate Recap

Temperatures usually start receding in September as summer gives way to early fall. That was not the case this year though, as September ended up as the hottest on record and a degree warmer on average than August. Only two days failed to reach 90 degrees and the coolest night was a balmy 68 degrees, resulting in an average temperature for the month that was more than 8 degrees above normal. The warmth was prevalent across much of the eastern three-fourths of the nation.

Average temperature anomalies for the U.S. in September show a hot month for most locations east of the Rocky Mountains, while cool weather covered areas west of the Rockies. (NWS data via WeatherBell)

What had been a wet year to this point "self-corrected" to an extent in September with one of the driest months in recent history. In fact, with just over one-tenth of an inch of rain, it was the third driest September on record! Coupled with the record heat, drought conditions quickly developed with a classification of "moderate" for parts of the metro (see below). Measurable rain only fell on two days in September at the airport. There was no severe weather in September.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 83.5 degrees (8.3 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 93.7 degrees (8.6 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 73.3 degrees (8.1 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 100 degrees (16th)
Coolest temperature: 68 degrees (24th)
Heating Degrees Days: 0 (11 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 564 (248 above  average)
Records set or tied: Hottest September on record. Daily record high temperatures set on the 17th (99) and 18th (99), and tied on the 27th (95).
Comments: 28 days recorded a high temperature of 90 degrees or warmer, 7.7 days more than the average for the month and a September record.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 0.12" (2.97" below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 2 (5.3 days below average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 0.10" (23rd)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: The month was the 3rd driest September on record in Memphis.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/58 mph (13th)
Average wind: 5.4 mph
Average relative humidity: 73%
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: 80.6 degrees
Average high temperature: 95.0 degrees
Average low temperature: 68.5 degrees
Warmest temperature: 100.1 degrees (16th)
Coolest temperature: 64.0 degrees (6th)
Comments: Temperature data was only recorded through the 23rd of the month due to station relocation.

Precipitation
Monthly total: 0.22" (automated rain gauge), 0.26" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 2
Wettest date: 0.15" (23rd) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: Precipitation data was available for the entirety of the month of September.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: South/18 mph (20th)
Average relative humidity: 74%
Average barometric pressure: 30.06 in. Hg

Comments: The above data was only recorded through the 23rd of the month due to station relocation.

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

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 1.61 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 76%
MWN average dewpoint error: 1.95 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 72%

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

Climate Outlook - October

The October climate outlook for the United State from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Below average temperatures are expected across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Above normal temperatures are likely to be found in the southern and eastern U.S., most pronounced in the southeast. Odds favor above average temperatures for Memphis in October. Memphis averages 64.1 degrees for the month, or about ten degrees cooler than September.

A wet October is forecast for the northern tier of the country, particularly the Midwest and Upper Mississippi Valley. Drier than average conditions are forecast across the southeast U.S. For Memphis, odds favor slightly below average rainfall, which historically results in right at four inches in October.

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