April 2020 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

April Climate Recap

April turned the corner from the warm winter and early spring as temperatures averaged below normal for the first time in a while. High temperatures were the primary contributor, averaging more than three degrees below normal. Only two days in April reached 80 degrees, compared to three in March. Breaking from the very wet streak of the first quarter of the year, April rainfall came in right at average with nearly one half of the total rainfall for the month occurring on the 12th when some reports of severe weather were also received.

Severe weather occurrences were on the evening of the 8th in Fayette County with some wind damage, the evening of the 12th across the metro as trees and power lines were felled by strong wind, and on the night of the 28th-29th across the southern sections of the metro, including northwest MS. Strong wind was again the primary severe weather phenomena.

Average temperature anomaly (departure from average) for the month of April 2020 (Data: PRISM. Graphic: WxBell)

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature
Average temperature: 60.3 degrees (2.6 degrees below average)
Average high temperature: 69.7 degrees (3.3 degrees below average)
Average low temperature: 50.9 degrees (2.0 degrees below average)
Warmest temperature: 82 degrees (8th)
Coolest temperature: 34 degrees (15th)
Heating Degrees Days: 158 (21 above average)
Cooling Degree Days: 23 (52 below average)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.57" (0.07" above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 11 (1.4 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.60" (12th)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: One day recorded more than an inch of rain, with almost half of the monthly total falling on the 12th.

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/50 mph (13th)
Average wind: 8.3 mph
Average relative humidity: 69%
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: 59.4 degrees
Average high temperature: 70.9 degrees
Average low temperature: 49.0 degrees
Warmest temperature: 85.1 degrees (8th)
Coolest temperature: 31.5 degrees (15th)
Comments: None

Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.68" (automated rain gauge), 5.79" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 13
Wettest date: 2.69" (12th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/34 mph (25th)
Average relative humidity: 74%
Average barometric pressure: 29.94 in. Hg

Comments: None

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

MWN Forecast Accuracy

MWN average temperature error: 2.32 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 59%
MWN average dewpoint error: 2.77 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 53%

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

Climate Outlook - May 2020

The May climate outlook for the United States from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Above average temperatures are forecast for the western U.S. into the Southern Plains with highest chances of hot temperatures over the Desert Southwest into west TX. Below average temperatures are expected in the Great Lakes region and interior New England. Odds favor near average temperatures for Memphis. Memphis averages 71.7 degrees for the month.

Wetter than normal weather is expected across the Lower Mississippi River Valley into  the Missouri Valley and parts of the southern Plains. Dry weather is forecast across the Great Lakes and portions of the Intermountain West. For Memphis, odds favor slightly above average rainfall, at a 37% chance, versus a 30% chance of below normal precipitation. Memphis historically averages 5.25 inches in May.

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