May Climate Recap
Following in April’s footsteps, the month of May was warmer than normal by over 2 degrees, as was repeated across most of the eastern U.S. In fact, all but six days in May were warmer than average. However, extreme heat did not occur, as Memphis did not reach 90 degrees during the month, despite the average first 90-degree day typically occurring in mid-May. The warmth was primarily driven by overnight lows averaging nearly four degrees above average, including tying two record warm minimum temperatures a week into the month.
While April ended fairly dry, May was definitely a wet month as 6-8″+ of rain fell across the region. Rain fell about every other day with a few severe thunderstorm threats and large variability in total rainfall in the area, driven by localized heavy rains. Severe weather occurred on multiple days, particularly in the last ten days of the month, including reports of hail and wind damage across the greater metro.
Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 74.6 degrees (2.5 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 82.8 degrees (1.1 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 66.3 degrees (3.9 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 89 degrees (21st)
Coolest temperature: 56 degrees (11th)
Heating Degrees Days: 0 (21 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 303 (63 above average)
Records set or tied: Record high minimums tied (73 degrees on the 7th, 74 degrees on the 8th)
Comments: No days reached 90 degrees in May, which is 3 below average.
Precipitation
Monthly total: 6.62″ (1.35″ above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 16 (5.4 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.61″ (5th-6th)
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: None
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Northwest/46 mph (9th)
Average wind: 7.5 mph
Average relative humidity: 72%
Average sky cover: 60%
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.
MemphisWeather.net Headquarters, Bartlett, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 74.1 degrees
Average high temperature: 84.7 degrees
Average low temperature: 65.0 degrees
Warmest temperature: 91.9 degrees (26th)
Coolest temperature: 53.6 degrees (11th)
Comments: None
Precipitation
Monthly total: 7.87″ (automated rain gauge), 8.03″ (CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 16
Wettest date: 1.64″ (18th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: None
Comments: None
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West-northwest/30 mph (27th) (??)
Average relative humidity: 76%
Average barometric pressure: 29.88 in.
Comments: None
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.
MWN Forecast Accuracy
Average temperature error: 1.75 degrees
Forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 73%
Average dewpoint error: 1.78 degrees
Forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 77%
MWN’s forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours).
Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.
