MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Mid-South is bracing for a stormy end to the week, as forecasters warn of strong to severe thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, followed by a sharp temperature drop and possibly the first freeze of the season.
According to local meteorologists, the Memphis metro area, including Shelby and DeSoto counties, will see most of Friday’s storms pass east of the city, while southern parts of northern Mississippi could face more intense weather into Saturday.
Storm Timeline and Risk Areas
The National Weather Service has placed the region under a Marginal Risk for strong to severe storms through the weekend.
Here’s how the timeline is shaping up:
- 2–5 p.m., Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms begin developing east of Memphis in west Tennessee and north Mississippi.
- 5–10 p.m., Friday: The strongest cells push farther east, bringing damaging winds and large hail as primary threats.
- After 10 p.m., Friday: Storms move out of Tennessee and redevelop across southern counties of north Mississippi.
“The biggest risks with this system will be damaging winds and hail, though an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out,” meteorologists said Thursday evening. “Localized flooding is also possible under heavier cells.”
By Saturday afternoon, conditions are expected to briefly improve before a cold front sweeps through, ushering in a much colder air mass for the remainder of the weekend.
Friday and Saturday Forecast
Friday: Expect a warm and breezy day, with clouds increasing by midday. Highs will reach near 75°F, and afternoon storms are expected to develop east of the metro. Winds from the south will range from 5–10 mph.
Saturday: The day starts sunny and mild, with highs again in the low to mid-70s. Showers may return by Saturday night as the next front approaches.
Sharp Temperature Drop and First Freeze Possible
Behind the front, temperatures will plummet heading into Sunday and early next week.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny but chillier, with highs in the low 50s.
- Monday: A cold start with morning lows in the low 30s and wind chills in the 20s. Afternoon highs will stay in the upper 40s.
- Veterans Day (Tuesday): Sunny with another cold morning in the 30s before a mild rebound into the 50s by afternoon.
- Wednesday: Milder and sunny, with highs climbing back into the 60s.
Looking Ahead
Forecasters say the weekend marks the transition from fall to early winter patterns, with this front likely bringing the first widespread freeze for much of the Mid-South.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor decorations, cover sensitive plants, and check heating systems before the coldest air arrives early next week.
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