Forecast Discussion


838
FXUS64 KMEG 302329
AFDMEG

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Memphis TN
629 PM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 629 PM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

- A significant warming trend will bring temperatures 10 to 15
  degrees above normal beginning today, with high temperatures in
  the low to mid 80s through at least Thursday.

- Breezy conditions are expected through Tuesday with south wind
  gusts near 30 MPH.

- Showers and thunderstorms will return to the forecast by
  Wednesday, with a 50% to 80% chance of rainfall starting on
  Thursday through next weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
(This evening through next Sunday)
Issued at 1248 PM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

Another breezy and warm day is progressing across the Mid-South
with temperatures currently spanning the 70s and some clouds
overhead. Over the next few days, things will become increasingly
more humid as moisture returns to the area with
south/southwesterly flow. This will allow for our dew points to
reach back into the mid 60s with high temperatures in the mid
80s. While this will not be completely oppressive, it will be
some of the warmer and more humid days we have seen thus far this
season. Similar to today, wind speeds are expected to become
gusty (30-35+ mph) at times particularly in the afternoon on
Tuesday across northeast AR and the MO Bootheel. NBM has about a
40-60% chance of exceeding Wind Advisory criteria for these
locations, while the HREF has closer to a 20-40% chance. Given
the uncertainty and only having low to medium confidence, opted
against issuing any products at this time. However, this will be
something to watch in future forecast cycles.

By Wednesday, an upper-level trough will begin to move off of the
Rocky Mountains, transitioning our area into a somewhat more
active weather pattern. Models have pushed back the timing a bit
on the arrival of the first frontal boundary, keeping higher PoP
chances (> 50%) until Thursday. Any precipitation we do see on
Wednesday will generally be light and confined to north MS and
along the TN River. Higher PoP chances will move through in two
general waves, with one round Thursday into Friday and another
Saturday into Sunday. Timing for both waves remains in flux. The
good news with both rounds, so to speak, is that the chance of
severe weather remains extremely low. Current joint probabilities
for CAPE and shear remain < 15%, with little upper-level forcing
until Sunday. While some isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled
out, this does appear to be mostly a rain event for our area with
the better chances for convection west and north of the Mid-
South. Through the entire event, the majority of guidance
continues to highlight generally 1.5-2.5" of rainfall across the
Mid-South. Some of these amounts have dropped with the latest
run, so do think things will remain on the lower end rather than
the higher end. Given the ongoing drought conditions, this would
be meaningful precipitation with only a low threat for flooding
mainly for urban and low-lying areas. Everything will move out of
the area by next Monday, with high pressure filtering into the
region behind. This would likely spell a drier and warmer weather
pattern returning into the next work week, with 8-14 CPC guidance
favoring above-normal temperatures and near-normal presentation.

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 629 PM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

A tight pressure gradient between a strong Bermuda High and an
approaching cold front will once again create gusty S/SW wind
gusts tomorrow upwards of 25 kts. JBR is along the tightest
gradient and will be the most likely site to see wind gusts over
30 kts. Guidance continues to converge on a solution favoring
MVFR ceilings tomorrow morning, eventually scattering out around
noon.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 1248 PM CDT Mon Mar 30 2026

Minimal fire danger concerns are expected for the foreseeable
future, with minRH values remaining above 35%. Widespread
rainfall amounts of 1-2" are expected from Wednesday through
Sunday, which will likely help our ongoing drought conditions.
Some gusty winds could occur across northeast AR and the MO
Bootheel, especially Tuesday afternoon.

&&


.MEG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AR...None.
MO...None.
MS...None.
TN...None.
&&

$$

PUBLIC FORECAST...CMA
AVIATION...CAD