December Climate Recap
Temperatures for the month of December in Memphis averaged very close to normal with high temperatures about a degree below average, but low temperatures about a degree above average. With a couple of exceptions, most days in the first half of the month were warmer than average with highs in the 50s and 60s and mild overnight lows. The 40s arrived mid-month, followed by a major Arctic blast just before Christmas. This airmass resulted in snowfall and a flash freeze, followed by a few days in which highs were near or below freezing, including a record cool high of 14 degrees on the 23rd. Warmer weather moved in after the Christmas weekend with highs back in the 60s.
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| The temperature anomaly map for the month of December shows below average temperatures across most of the northern US. and above average temperatures for much of the south, with the Mid-South near average. (PRISM temperature data via WeatherModels) |
December was a wet month overall, but only totaled about 1/2 inch above normal despite nearly one-half of the days in the month receiving precipitation. Twelve of the first fourteen days of the month had some amount of precipitation, with a total of five inches in two weeks. A drier and cooler pattern set in after that, though the arrival of an Arctic airmass brought precipitation, including 0.5-1.0″ of snow to the metro on the 22nd. A couple more wet days preceded New Year’s Eve. There was no severe weather during the month.
Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 44.9 degrees (0.1 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 52.6 degrees (0.8 degrees below average)
Average low temperature: 37.1 degrees (0.9 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 72 degrees (6th)
Coolest temperature: 1 degree (23rd)
Heating Degrees Days: 619 (9 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 2 (2 above average)
Records set or tied: Daily minimum high temperature (14 degrees on the 23rd)
Comments: Eleven days dropped to 32 degrees or below this month, which is 0.5 days below the average December. Two days did not reach above 32 degrees, which is 1.3 days above normal.
Precipitation
Monthly total: 5.95″ (0.46″ above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 14 (3.8 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.04″ (13th-14th)
Snowfall: 0.5″ (0.3″ above normal)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: 0.5″ of snow fell on the 22nd
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/44 mph (22nd)
Average wind: 7.9 mph
Average relative humidity: 74%
Average sky cover: 67%
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.
Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 43.9 degrees
Average high temperature: 51.7 degrees
Average low temperature: 35.0 degrees
Warmest temperature: 71.1 degrees (6th)
Coolest temperature: -0.3 degrees (23rd)
Comments: None
Precipitation
Monthly total: 6.33″ (automated rain gauge), 6.25″ (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 15
Wettest date: 1.19″ (13th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: 0.8″ (0.7″ on 22nd, 0.1″ on 26th)
Comments: None
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/27 mph (22nd)
Average relative humidity: 80%
Average barometric pressure: 30.15 in. Hg
Comments: None
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.
MWN Forecast Accuracy
MWN average temperature error: 2.69 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 57%
MWN average dewpoint error: 2.53 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 55%
MWN’s forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.
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