August 2024 Climate Report for Memphis, TN

August was characteristically hot, but not too far above the climatological average at just over one-half of a degree above the mean of 82.1 degrees. High temperatures averaged about 1 degree above average, while low temperatures were very near normal. While 22 days reached 90 degrees, the hottest temperature was 100 degrees reached on consecutive days near the end of the month. On those hottest days, humidity was actually quite low, dropping to about 25% during the hottest part of the day, but dewpoints were quick high mid-month, which, paired with temperatures reaching the upper 90s, resulted in Excessive Heat Warnings.

The month was very dry, highlighted by a 4-week dry spell that resulted in rapid onset drought conditions after a fairly wet summer before August arrived. The Drought Monitor as of the day before the pattern broke is shown below, indicating 100% coverage of the metro in abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. Very heavy rain from slow-moving thunderstorms on the 29th-30th, and minor amounts on the 31st, brought over 90% of the rainfall for the month to the airport and over 80% to MWN in Bartlett.

There were two severe weather events during the month. An overnight mini squall line in the early morning hours on the 17th prompted Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and resulted in minor wind damage. On the afternoon of the 30th during storms that brought the heaviest rain of the month also resulted in minor wind damage and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

Average temperature: 82.6 degrees (0.5 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 92.4 degrees (0.9 degrees above average) 
Average low temperature: 72.8 degrees (0.2 degrees above average) 
Warmest temperature: 100 degrees (28th, 29th) 
Coolest temperature: 63 degrees (22nd)
Heating Degrees Days: 0
Cooling Degree Days: 553 (25 above average) 
Records set or tied: None
Comments: 22 days reached 90 degrees (2 above average).

Monthly total: 2.52″ (0.85″ below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 4 (3.6 days below average) 
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.30″ (30th) 
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: Southeast/46 mph (30th)
Average wind: 6.7 mph
Average relative humidity: 60%
Average sky cover: 35%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.

Average temperature: 80.1 degrees
Average high temperature: 92.5 degrees
Average low temperature: 69.4 degrees
Warmest temperature: 102.3 degrees (4th) 
Coolest temperature: 58.3 degrees (2nd)
Comments: None

Monthly total: 3.04″ (automated rain gauge), 2.99″ (CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 
Days with measurable precipitation: 5
Wettest date: 1.36″ (30th) (via automated gauge) 
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: Northeast/29 mph (29th)
Average relative humidity: 71% 
Average barometric pressure: 30.03 in.
Comments: None

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.

Average temperature error: 1.46 degrees
Forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 83%
Average dewpoint error: 1.66 degrees
Forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 81%

MWN’s forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here