Honestly, if you've spent more than five minutes in the Mid-South, you know the weather here has a mind of its own. One minute you're thinking about a light jacket for a stroll down Beale Street, and the next, you're wondering if the pipes are going to freeze. Today is one of those days where the numbers on the screen tell a very specific, slightly chilly story.
Right now, the temperature in Memphis today is sitting at a crisp 36°F. But here’s the kicker: it feels like 31°F. That five-degree gap is thanks to a steady 6 mph wind coming out of the west. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make that humidity—which is hovering around 72%—settle right into your bones.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
Don't let the "nighttime clear with periodic clouds" description fool you into thinking it's going to warm up once the sun starts doing its thing. We are looking at a high temperature of 38°F for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Basically, the "warmest" part of your day is barely above freezing.
If you have plans to be out and about, the daytime condition is labeled as mostly cloudy. There is a small, 20% chance of snow during the day. It’s not enough to go out and buy all the bread and milk at Kroger, but it's enough to keep the sky looking gray and heavy.
The Overnight Drop
If you think the day is cold, tonight is going to be a different beast. Once the sun goes down, the clouds are expected to clear out, but that just means the heat escapes even faster. We’re looking at a low temperature of 22°F.
The wind is also picking up. We’re moving from a gentle 6 mph west wind to a 11 mph northwest wind. That shift is the classic Memphis "cold front" signature.
The Memphis Humidity Factor
People from up north always laugh when we complain about 36 degrees. They don't get the humidity.
At 72% humidity, the air is heavy. In the summer, it's a "wet heat" that feels like walking through soup. In January, it's a "wet cold." It clings to you. Unlike a dry cold in the desert where you can just layer up, the moisture in the Memphis air transfers that chill directly to your skin.
- Current Temperature: 36°F
- Feels Like: 31°F
- Today's High: 38°F
- Tonight's Low: 22°F
- Precipitation: 20% chance of snow (Day) / 0% (Night)
Surviving the 30-Degree Grind
Since the temperature in Memphis today is staying so close to the freezing mark, there are a few things you actually need to do.
First, check your tire pressure. These sudden drops from the 50s (which we saw just a couple of days ago) into the 20s and 30s cause your TPMS light to pop on like a Christmas tree. It’s usually just physics—cold air is denser—but it's a pain to deal with at a gas station when your fingers are numb.
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Second, if you're a plant parent, bring them in. A low of 22°F is a hard freeze. Anything left on a porch that isn't rated for the tundra is going to be mush by Sunday morning.
Practical Next Steps
Given that we're staring down a 22-degree night with clear skies, you should wrap any exposed outdoor pipes or faucets this afternoon while it’s still "warm" at 38°F. Ensure your pets have a warm, indoor place to sleep, as the wind chill tonight will likely dip into the mid-teens. If you are driving, keep an eye out for damp spots on the road; with a 20% chance of snow and temps hitting 22°F, any lingering moisture could turn into a slick patch overnight.