Memphis is gearing up for a week of unpredictable skies, as a dramatic shift in weather patterns promises everything from drenching rain and thunderstorms to bursts of sunshine. After a long, hot, and dry stretch, the city and much of the Central US are bracing for a series of weather events that could disrupt daily routines and bring much-needed relief from the late-summer heat.
The National Weather Service in Memphis forecasts that Monday, September 22, 2025, will mark the beginning of this mixed weather cycle. According to their latest update, residents can expect highs near 87 degrees, with showers likely to roll in between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The evening won’t offer much respite, as the temperature dips to around 70 degrees but with continued showers and the potential for thunderstorms. Action News 5’s meteorologist Patrick Ellis noted, “After a long stretch of hot and dry weather – our pattern finally begins to flip for a few days – bringing cloudier, cooler changes.”
This change is not just local. The Weather Channel, recognized as the world’s most accurate forecaster by ForecastWatch, reports a severe flood threat impacting the Central US on both Monday and Tuesday. That means Memphis is not alone in facing unsettled skies—residents throughout the region are being urged to stay alert and keep an umbrella handy.
Tuesday, September 23, brings the first full day of autumn, and with it, a 70% chance of rain for Memphis, according to the National Weather Service. The potential for heavy thunderstorms is high, and rainfall is expected to total between 1 and 2 inches. Action News 5 adds that “a few waves of rain and storms could impact the Mid-South – some of which could turn heavy and even locally strong – with strong wind potential with the strongest of storms.” The culprit? A front stalled overhead, acting as a conveyor belt for rain and storms throughout the day and into Tuesday night. Temperatures are forecast to remain in the 80s, with lows in the 70s, making for warm, muggy nights that might be punctuated by thunder and lightning.
Wednesday, September 24, continues the wet trend, with a 90% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. The National Weather Service expects new rainfall amounts between three-quarters of an inch and a full inch, potentially adding to any waterlogged streets or localized flooding from the previous days. Highs will settle in the 70s to near 80, and as Action News 5 cautions, “one or two storms could be locally heavy and strong through this period.”
This string of rainy, stormy days is a marked departure from the dry, sunny weather that has dominated Memphis for weeks. The Weather Channel’s report of a severe flood threat for the Central US underscores the seriousness of the situation, especially for those living in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Commuters and anyone with outdoor plans are advised to monitor local forecasts closely and prepare for possible delays or disruptions. The National Weather Service advises, “Residents should prepare for possible heavy rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday that may affect outdoor activities and commuting, keeping an umbrella handy and staying updated on weather developments.”
But it’s not all gloom and doom. Relief is on the horizon as the sluggish upper low that’s been fueling these storms is expected to move out by the latter part of the week. According to Action News 5, “our weather gradually improves through the latter part of the week. Skies will generally brighten with highs near 80, trending back toward the seasonable middle 80s.” The National Weather Service echoes this optimism, predicting that Thursday night, September 25, will be mostly clear, setting the stage for a sunny Friday with a high near 80 degrees.
By the weekend following September 26, Memphis can look forward to mostly sunny skies, with daytime highs settling comfortably in the low 80s and evening lows dipping into the low 60s. It’s a welcome break from the earlier rain and a chance for residents to enjoy the outdoors again—perhaps with a renewed appreciation for dry sidewalks and blue skies.
For families looking to make the best of the changing weather, Action News 5 is reviving its “Color the Weather” program, a favorite among local kids. Each morning at 6:30 AM, meteorologist Patrick Ellis will feature a weather-themed coloring photo on air, submitted by children from across the Memphis area. The photos can be picked up at participating McDonald’s locations or downloaded online, colored, and uploaded for a chance to be showcased on TV. It’s a small but cheerful way to keep spirits up during the rainy spell—and maybe inspire a few future meteorologists along the way.
As Memphis weathers this week of contrasts, the city’s resilience and preparedness will be put to the test. While heavy rain and storms may cause some headaches—especially for those commuting or planning outdoor events—the prospect of clearer, sunnier days ahead offers hope. The message from local officials and meteorologists is clear: stay informed, take precautions, and don’t let a little rain dampen your outlook. After all, as every Memphian knows, if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few days—it’s bound to change.
With the Central US facing a broader flood threat and local forecasts calling for a rollercoaster of weather events, it’s more important than ever for residents to pay attention to updates from trusted sources like the National Weather Service, The Weather Channel, and Action News 5. Whether you’re dodging puddles, watching for lightning, or simply waiting for the sun to return, this week’s weather is sure to be a conversation starter—and a reminder of nature’s power to surprise.
