July 2020 Climate Data for Memphis, TN

July Climate Recap

A string of cooler than average months ended in July as temperatures crept back above normal. July's heat was not only above average, but very persistent. Every day during the month reached at least 89° and only two days failed to reach 90°, a feat only reached or eclipsed in three previous years (1954, 1993, 2010). In addition, there was little relief at night as the low temperature never dropped below 71°. This record has only been achieved in eight previous Julys. most recently 2016. Precipitation for the month totaled less than two inches despite some areas receiving much more rain due to the nature of scattered summertime thunderstorms.

Severe weather was very limited in July. As is typical, summertime thunderstorms occasionally produce limited reports of damaging wind gusts. Wind damage in the form of tree and power line damage was reported on July 1 in the Millington area and on the 16th in northern Crittenden County. Only a few Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings were issued over the course of the month.

Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN

Temperature 

Average temperature: 84.1 degrees (1.4 degrees above average) 

Average high temperature: 93.0 degrees (1.4 degrees above average) 

Average low temperature: 75.3 degrees (1.5 degrees above average) 

Warmest temperature: 97 degrees (20th) 

Coolest temperature: 71 degrees (1st) 

Heating Degrees Days: 0

Cooling Degree Days: 603 (54 above average) 

Records set or tied: None 

Comments: July 2020 ended in the top 10% of hottest Julys on record in Memphis, ranking #18. The high temperature reached 90 degrees every day except two, and on those two the high was 89 degrees. Only five years in 146 years of record keeping had more 90-degree days in July.

Precipitation 

Monthly total: 1.73" (2.86" below average) 

Days with measurable precipitation: 14 (5.2 days above average) 

Wettest 24-hour period: 0.44" (28th) 

Snowfall: None 

Records set or tied: None 

Comments: None

Miscellaneous 

Peak wind: Northwest/47 mph (1st) 

Average wind: 6.2 mph 

Average relative humidity: 71% 

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: 81.9 degrees 

Average high temperature: 93.7  degrees 

Average low temperature: 73.1 degrees 

Warmest temperature: 99.2 degrees (20th) 

Coolest temperature: 68.2 degrees (13th) 

Comments: None 

Precipitation 

Monthly total: 2.18" (automated rain gauge), 2.07" (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 

Days with measurable precipitation: 12 

Wettest date: 0.67" (1st) (via automated gauge) 

Snowfall: None 

Comments: None 

Miscellaneous 

Peak wind: Northwest/27 mph (1st)

Average relative humidity: 81% 

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: 1.32 degrees 

MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 87% 

MWN average dewpoint error: 1.60 degrees 

MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 81% 

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

 

Climate Outlook - August 2020

The August climate outlook for the United States from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Above average temperatures are forecast for areas west of the Rocky Mountains and the east coast and New England. Cooler than average temperatures are forecast for portions of the central Plains into the Mid-South. Odds favor below average temperatures for Memphis (42%) versus only a 25% chance of above average temperatures. Memphis' average temperatures for August is 82.0 degrees.

Wetter than normal weather is expected in the northern Plains, as well as the eastern U.S, particularly the Mid-Atlantic coast. Drier than average weather is forecast for the desert southwest and Rocky Mountains into the Pacific Northwest. For Memphis, odds favor average rainfall, which historically averages only 2.88 inches in August. 

--- 

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