February Climate Recap
Temperatures for the month of February in Memphis averaged over 5 degrees above normal. The month started out cold with highs in the low 30’s due to freezing rain on the 1st, but by the 5th highs were back to the 60’s. Highs climbed to the low 70’s on the 7th, but a cold front moving in on the 9th dropped high temperatures back to the 50’s for the next few days. A warmup back to the 70’s happened on the 15th and 16th, before another cold front dropped the low temperature below freezing on the 17th and 18th. Temperatures quickly rebounded to the upper 70’s on the 22nd and 23rd, before yet another cold front caused the high on the 24th to occur at midnight, only reaching 47 the following day. Highs climbed to the upper 70’s to end the month.
February’s precipitation was just below average, almost 1 inch below normal – with 11 days in the month receiving precipitation. The 1st-14th had less than 1″ of precipitation, with nearly 1/4 registering as freezing rain on the 1st and 2nd. The 15th thru the 28th saw over 3″ of rain, with the heaviest falling on the 16th (1.02″ at the airport and 1.51″ at MWN in Bartlett) as thunderstorms rolled thru the metro. The heavy rain was accompanied by strong to severe thunderstorms on the evening of the 15th, producing multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, hail reports of up to ping pong ball size, and a few wind damage reports. There was also one Tornado Warning for a severe cell that traveled from near Sardis Lake into Marshall County.
Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 51.5 degrees (5.4 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 60.9 degrees (5.4 degrees below average)
Average low temperature: 42.2 degrees (5.5 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 78 degrees (23rd)
Coolest temperature: 25 degrees (1st)
Heating Degrees Days: 381 (151 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 9 (7 above average)
Records set or tied: Daily high maximum (77 degrees on 22nd)
Comments: For the period of meteorological winter (December-February), temperatures averaged 48.2 degrees,7th warmest on record.
Precipitation
Monthly total: 3.84″ (0.71″ below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 11 (1.1 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 1.23″ (15th-16th)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: 0.24″ of freezing rain fell on the 1st/2nd. For the period of meteorological winter (December-February), a total of 18.92″ of precipitation fell, ranking 22nd wettest in over 150 years of records.
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southwest/46 mph (22nd)
Average wind: 9.2 mph
Average relative humidity: 72%
Average sky cover: 63%
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.
Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 50.6 degrees
Average high temperature: 61.0 degrees
Average low temperature: 40.2 degrees
Warmest temperature: 80.0 degrees (28th)
Coolest temperature: 22.5 degrees (4th)
Comments: None
Precipitation
Monthly total: 4.05″ (automated rain gauge), 3.95″ (manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 10
Wettest date: 1.51″ (16th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: 0.21″ of freezing rain fell on the 1st/2nd
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/42 mph (27th)
Average relative humidity: 74%
Average barometric pressure: 30.09 in. Hg
Comments: None
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.
MWN Forecast Accuracy
MWN average temperature error: 2.36 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 62%
MWN average dewpoint error: 3.12 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 50%
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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Richard Hoseney
MWN Meteorologist
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