Memphis, Tennessee is a city known for its rich history, music, and barbecue. However, when it comes to the weather, many people wonder if it snows in this southern city. The short answer is yes, it does snow in Memphis, but not very often.
On average, Memphis receives about 3 inches of snow per year. This may not seem like much compared to other parts of the country, but for a city located in the southern United States, it’s enough to cause some excitement. The snowfall usually occurs during the winter months of December, January, and February, with the heaviest snowfall happening in January. While the snow may not stick around for long, it’s enough to create a winter wonderland for the city’s residents.
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Does It Snow in Memphis?
Memphis is located in the southern part of the United States, and it is known for its hot and humid summers. However, during the winter months, many people wonder if it snows in Memphis.
The short answer is yes, it does snow in Memphis, but it is not a common occurrence. The city experiences an average of 3 inches of snowfall per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 28 inches.
The snowfall in Memphis is usually light, and it rarely accumulates to more than a few inches. The snow usually melts quickly due to the warm temperatures, and the city rarely experiences any significant disruptions due to snowfall.
It is worth noting that the timing of snowfall in Memphis is unpredictable. While snow is most likely to occur between December and February, it can happen at any time during the winter months.
Overall, while Memphis does experience some snowfall during the winter months, it is not a significant weather event for the city.
When Does It Snow in Memphis?
Memphis, Tennessee, is located in the southern part of the United States, where winters are generally mild and snow is a rare occurrence. Although Memphis does not receive much snowfall, it is not uncommon for the city to experience some snow during the winter months.
The snow season in Memphis typically runs from December to March, with the highest chance of snowfall occurring in January and February. However, it is important to note that snowfall in Memphis is unpredictable and can occur outside of these months.
On average, Memphis receives around 3 inches of snow per year, with the majority of snowfall happening in January. However, some years may see no snow at all, while others may see more significant snowfall.
In addition to snowfall, Memphis also experiences freezing rain and sleet during the winter months, which can make roads and sidewalks slippery and dangerous. It is important for residents and visitors to exercise caution when traveling during these weather conditions.
Overall, while snow is not a common occurrence in Memphis, it is still important to be prepared for winter weather and to stay informed of any potential snow or ice storms.
How Much Snow Does Memphis Get?
Memphis is not known for its snowfall, as it is located in the southern part of the United States. However, snowfall is not uncommon in this city, and it does snow from time to time. In this section, we will take a look at how much snow Memphis gets on average and what the record snowfall is.
Average Snowfall
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Memphis receives an average of 4 inches of snow per year. This is a relatively small amount compared to other cities in the country. The snowfall usually occurs in January and February, and it is not uncommon for the city to receive a few snowstorms during these months.
Record Snowfall
The record snowfall in Memphis occurred on February 15, 1895, when the city received 8 inches of snow. This is the most snow the city has ever received in a single snowstorm. Since then, there have been a few snowstorms that have come close to breaking this record, but none have been successful.
In summary, Memphis does not receive a lot of snowfall, with an average of 4 inches per year. The record snowfall occurred in 1895 when the city received 8 inches of snow. While snowfall is not common in Memphis, it is not unheard of, and the city does receive a few snowstorms each year.
How Often Does It Snow in Memphis?
Memphis is a city located in the southern part of the United States, which is known for its hot and humid summers. However, during the winter months, the city can experience some snowfall.
On average, Memphis receives about 3.5 inches of snow per year, which is a relatively low amount compared to other cities in the country. The snow season in Memphis usually lasts from December to March, with the peak of snowfall occurring in January and February.
According to historical data, Memphis receives measurable snowfall (at least 0.1 inches) about once every two years. However, it is not uncommon for several years to pass without any snowfall at all.
The table below shows the average snowfall in Memphis for each month:
| Month | Average Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| December | 0.6 |
| January | 1.3 |
| February | 1.1 |
| March | 0.5 |
It is important to note that while snowfall in Memphis is relatively rare, it can still cause disruptions to daily life. The city is not equipped with a large fleet of snowplows or salt trucks, which can make it difficult to clear roads and sidewalks in the event of a snowstorm.
Overall, while Memphis may not be known for its snowy winters, residents and visitors should still be prepared for the possibility of snowfall during the winter months.
Understanding Memphis’s Weather
Memphis is located in the south-west region of Tennessee, and it experiences a humid subtropical climate. The city has four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in Memphis throughout the year is around 62°F (16.6°C).
Winter Weather
Winter in Memphis is generally mild, with occasional cold snaps. The average temperature during the winter months (December-February) is around 45°F (7°C). Snowfall is rare in Memphis, with an average of only 3 inches (7.6 cm) of snowfall per year. However, the city does experience occasional ice storms, which can cause hazardous driving conditions.
Summer Weather
Summer in Memphis is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 90°F (32°C) and high levels of humidity. The city experiences occasional heatwaves, with temperatures reaching as high as 100°F (38°C). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, with occasional severe weather, including tornadoes.
Overall, Memphis has a comfortable climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Visitors should be prepared for the humidity during the summer months and occasional cold snaps during the winter.
Climate and Atmospheric Conditions
Humidity Levels
Memphis has a humid subtropical climate, which means that the city experiences high humidity levels throughout the year. The average relative humidity in Memphis is around 70%, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months. This high humidity can make the summers feel even hotter than they actually are, and can also contribute to the formation of thunderstorms and other severe weather events.
Pressure Patterns
Memphis is located in the Mid-South region of the United States, which is known for its volatile weather patterns. The city is situated in a region where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler, drier air from the north. This can create instability in the atmosphere, which can lead to the formation of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other weather events.
In terms of atmospheric pressure, Memphis typically experiences lower pressure systems during the winter months, which can contribute to the formation of winter storms and occasional snowfall. During the summer months, the city is more likely to experience high pressure systems, which can lead to hot and dry conditions.
Overall, the climate and atmospheric conditions in Memphis are influenced by a variety of factors, including geography, topography, and prevailing weather patterns. While the city is not known for heavy snowfall, it is still important for residents and visitors to be aware of the potential for winter weather events and to take appropriate precautions when necessary.
Memphis’s Monthly Weather Breakdown
Hottest Month
July is the hottest month in Memphis with an average temperature of 92°F (33°C). The city experiences high humidity during this month which can make it feel even hotter. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time outside during the hottest parts of the day.
Wettest Month
August is the wettest month in Memphis with an average rainfall of 3.8 inches (97 mm). Thunderstorms are common during this month and can cause flash flooding in some areas. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Driest Month
October is the driest month in Memphis with an average rainfall of 2.8 inches (71 mm). The weather is generally mild during this month with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. It’s a great time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions.
Overall, Memphis has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city receives an average of 52 inches (1,320 mm) of precipitation per year, with most of it falling between March and September. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before traveling to Memphis and pack accordingly.
Notable Weather Events in Memphis History
Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its hot and humid summers, but it has also experienced some notable weather events in its history. While snow is not a common occurrence in Memphis, there have been several significant snowstorms that have impacted the city.
One of the most significant snowstorms in Memphis history occurred in February 1895. The storm brought over 15 inches of snow to the city, which was a record amount at the time. The snow caused significant damage to buildings and trees, and transportation was severely impacted.
In January 1940, another major snowstorm hit Memphis, dumping over 10 inches of snow on the city. The storm caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions, and many businesses and schools were forced to close.
In more recent years, Memphis has experienced several smaller snowstorms, including a snowstorm in December 2017 that brought 2-4 inches of snow to the city. While these snowstorms may not have been as significant as some of the historical events, they still caused disruptions and closures throughout the city.
The National Weather Service and local meteorologists play an important role in tracking and predicting these weather events. By monitoring weather patterns and issuing warnings and advisories, they help keep the public safe and informed during extreme weather events.
Overall, while snow is not a common occurrence in Memphis, the city has experienced several significant snowstorms throughout its history. By staying informed and prepared, residents and visitors can stay safe during these weather events.
Weather Monitoring in Memphis
Memphis, being located in the southern part of the United States, experiences a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and mild winters. While Memphis does not receive a lot of snowfall, it is not completely unheard of.
The Memphis International Airport is the primary weather monitoring station for the city. It provides hourly updates on weather conditions, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. The airport also provides data on visibility, which is important during the winter months when snow and fog can reduce visibility on the roads.
The National Weather Service is responsible for forecasting weather conditions in Memphis. They provide daily updates on weather conditions, including the likelihood of snowfall. The forecast is based on data collected from various weather monitoring stations in and around the city.
While snowfall is not a common occurrence in Memphis, the city typically receives around 3 inches of snow per year. Snowfall usually occurs during the months of December, January, and February. However, it is important to note that snowfall can occur at any time during the winter months.
In conclusion, while Memphis does not receive a lot of snowfall, it is important to be prepared for winter weather conditions. By monitoring weather conditions and following the forecast, residents and visitors can stay safe and prepared for any winter weather that may come their way.
Impact of Weather on Memphis’s Attractions
Memphis is a city that experiences a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. While snowfall is not a common occurrence in Memphis, the city’s attractions can be affected by the weather, including the occasional snowfall.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is a popular attraction that is open year-round, but snowfall can impact the zoo’s operations. In the event of snowfall, some of the outdoor exhibits may be closed for the safety of the animals and visitors. However, the zoo remains open, and visitors can still enjoy indoor exhibits and attractions.
Bars
Memphis is known for its vibrant nightlife, and the weather can have an impact on the city’s bars and restaurants. During the winter months, colder temperatures may result in fewer people going out, while snowfall can cause some establishments to close early or even shut down completely. However, many bars and restaurants in Memphis have adapted to the changing weather conditions and offer indoor seating and entertainment options.
COVID-19
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on Memphis’s attractions and events. While some attractions may be affected by snowfall, many have also implemented safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. Visitors should check the attraction’s website or social media pages for the latest information on hours of operation and safety guidelines.
In conclusion, while snowfall is not a common occurrence in Memphis, it can impact the city’s attractions and events. Visitors should be aware of the weather conditions and check with the attraction for any changes in hours of operation or closures. Despite the weather, Memphis offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
Weather in Surrounding Areas
The weather in the surrounding areas of Memphis can vary greatly depending on the location. West Memphis, located just across the Mississippi River in Arkansas, experiences similar weather patterns to Memphis. The region, which includes parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, experiences hot and humid summers with mild winters.
In West Memphis, the average annual snowfall is around 3 inches, which is slightly lower than the average snowfall in Memphis. However, the area is prone to ice storms, which can cause hazardous driving conditions and power outages.
In the wider Tennessee region, the climate is generally mild, with hot summers and cool winters. However, the higher elevations in the eastern part of the state experience much colder temperatures and heavier snowfall. In the Smoky Mountains, for example, the average snowfall can reach up to 85 inches per year.
Overall, while Memphis and its surrounding areas do not typically experience heavy snowfall, it is important to be prepared for occasional winter weather events. It is recommended to monitor local weather forecasts and take necessary precautions when traveling during winter months.