March Climate Recap
The first two months of 2022 ended up cooler than average, and although March was overall warmer than normal, one cold spell in particular resulted in a late winter snowstorm. The first week of the month was very warm, with three temperature records being set or tied. Then, five days after a record high of 81 degrees, four to six inches of snow fell roughly along the I-40 corridor on the 11th, followed by a high temperature of 34 the following day. Four days later, Memphis was back up to 70 degrees and another stretch of warm days ensued. cooler than average weather moved back in for the last week of the month. The average temperature for the month ended up 1.0 degrees above normal, driven by the average high temperature which was 2.5 degrees above average.
In addition to the snow storm (which also featured some thundersleet!), thunderstorms occurred on the 6th, 22nd and 30th. The storms on the 30th brought severe wind damage to northern DeSoto County, southern Shelby County, and southern Fayette County, as well as Tornado Warnings. Tree and power line damage occurred as a result of wind, and a wall collapsed on a warehouse in Southaven, MS (DeSoto County). Overall though, precipitation ended up very near average for the month at just over 5.5 inches.
Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 55.2 degrees (1.0 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 66.7 degrees (2.5 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 43.7 degrees (0.6 degrees below average)
Warmest temperature: 81 degrees (6th)
Coolest temperature: 25 degrees (12th)
Heating Degrees Days: 311 (41 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 12 (6 below average)
Records set or tied: Daily record high temperature was tied on the 3rd (80) and set on the 6th (81). A daily record warm minimum temperature was also set on the 6th (66).
Comments: Three days saw temperatures fall below freezing.
Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.64" (0.10" below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 11 (0.5 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.05" (22nd)
Snowfall: 2.0" (1.5" above average)
Records set or tied: Set record daily snowfall - 2.0" (11th)
Comments: In addition to the 2" of snow recorded on the 11th, a trace of snow fell on the 12th. [The 2.0" recorded on March 11th is believed to be erroneously low based on surrounding stations.]
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: South/45 mph (30th)
Average wind: 9.4 mph
Average relative humidity: 58%
Average sky cover: 54%
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.
Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 54.0 degrees
Average high temperature: 67.1 degrees
Average low temperature: 42.0 degrees
Warmest temperature: 82.0 degrees (3rd)
Coolest temperature: 22.8 degrees (12th)
Comments: None
Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.05" (automated rain gauge), 5.39"(manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 11
Wettest date: 1.69" (22nd) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: 3.8"
Comments: Snowfall on the 11th totaled 3.8".
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southwest/38 mph (30th)
Average relative humidity: 61%
Average barometric pressure: 30.04 in. Hg
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.
Comments: None
MWN Forecast Accuracy
MWN average temperature error: 2.43 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 60%
MWN average dewpoint error: 3.27 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 - April 2022
The April climate outlook for the United States from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Above average temperatures are forecast for much of the southern tier and up the east coast with strongest chances in the Southern Plains into New Mexico. Below average temperatures are expected for the Pacific Northwest. Odds slightly favor above average temperatures (37%) for Memphis over the course of the month versus a 30% chance of below average temperatures. The average temperature for April is 63.2 degrees.
Precipitation is expected to be above normal across the Great Lakes into the Upper Mississippi and Ohio Valleys into the northeast, as well as the Pacific Northwest. Highest odds of wet conditions are in the Great Lakes. Below average precipitation is forecast for the Rio Grande Valley into the Southwest U.S. For Memphis, odds favor near average precipitation, which historically averages 5.87 inches in April, the wettest month of the year.
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Complete MWN Forecast: MemphisWeather.net on the mobile web or via the MWN mobile app
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