News Summary
This weekend, the Mid-South will experience a series of dramatic weather changes. Starting with cloudy skies and an 80% chance of rain, temperatures will drop sharply from a high of 61°F to potential lows in the 20s. Residents can expect widespread rain, thunderstorms, and a significant risk of flash freezing as temperatures plummet overnight. Storms will move through northeast Arkansas into Memphis, with rainfall amounts predicted to reach nearly an inch. Stay prepared for rapidly changing conditions and a chilly start to the week ahead.
Mid-South Gears Up for Wild Weather Weekend!
Folks in the Mid-South, get ready for a rollercoaster of weather this weekend! Starting with cloudy skies, we’re looking at a day where the thermometer might peek at around 61°F before everything takes a dramatic turn. The winds will be making a scene too, swirling from the south-southwest over to the north at a gusty 10 to 20 mph.
Rain to Kick Off the Weekend
As you step outside, don’t forget your umbrella! There’s an 80% chance of rain with the day expecting to drop around a quarter of an inch of rainfall. So, pocket that umbrella if you plan on heading out. As evening rolls in, the rain is expected to bring along the chill, with possible snow showers creeping in as the nighttime sets in. Get cozy because we’re looking at a low of 27°F as the winds shift to the north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. There’s still a 70% chance of precipitation, so it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared for anything!
Sunday’s Weather Whirlwind
Mark your calendars—this Sunday, January 5, 2025, could be quite the weather extravaganza! Starting from the early hours, expect widespread rain and even the possibility of thunderstorms rolling in. A light drizzle could begin as early as Saturday evening, with about a 40% chance of precipitation.
For those in northeast Arkansas, be on the lookout around 3 a.m., as rain is expected to sweep in. Folks in Memphis should have their raincoats ready, as you could see the rain hit your area as early as 5 a.m.. The morning promises a good soaking with heavy rain continuing throughout the day, and let’s keep an eye out for some storm pockets!
Storms on the Move
By Sunday afternoon, a strong line of storms will be on the prowl, likely arriving around 3 p.m. in northeast Arkansas, making its way down to the Mississippi River by 4:30 p.m.. It looks like this system will be making a quick exit by 9 p.m., but before it does, we’re expecting rainfall totals in Memphis to hit around 0.89 inches. Across the region, totals could range from 0.75-1.5 inches, bringing up concerns about potential flooding.
A Rapid Temperature Drop
After the rain leaves, prepare for a shocking change! Temperatures will plunge a whopping 30-40 degrees in mere hours—from a comfy high of 60°F on Sunday to a frigid chill in the 20s by early Monday morning. The rain may even mix with snow after midnight, continuing into the morning commute hours of Monday.
While accumulation of snow is not expected, be careful of slick spots on bridges and overpasses as we transition out of the rain. That arctic blast you’ve heard about is coming, giving us a taste of those winter chills with daytime highs sticking to the low 30s and nighttime lows dipping down into the teens by midweek!
Prepare for the Freeze
With the heavy rain and drastic temperature changes, there’s a significant chance of a flash freeze from Sunday into Monday. The rapid temperature drop can turn wet roads into sheets of black ice, so please drive carefully. With damaging winds also making an appearance, anticipate winds gusting up to 30 mph on Sunday. The National Weather Service is advising everyone to stay alert and cautious throughout Sunday, especially during those stormy afternoon and evening hours.
Get Ready!
So, whether you’re hunkering down at home or out and about, keep those weather preparations in mind. Secure any outdoor items, winterize your cars, and, of course, bundle up! It’s shaping up to be quite a weather weekend in the Mid-South, so stay safe and stay warm!
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Daily Memphian
- Google Search: Memphis Weather January 2025
- Local Memphis
- Google Scholar: Weather Forecast
- Commercial Appeal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Fox 13 Memphis – Cold Blast
- Google News: Memphis Severe Weather Updates
