October 2024 Climate Report for Memphis, TN

October featured well above average temperatures for nearly all of the continental U.S., with the hottest temperatures relative to average in the central and Rocky Mountain/Desert Southwest regions. Memphis was included in that trend with an average temperature about three and a half degrees above the long-term average. The only notable “cool” spell relative to normal occurred mid-month with a string of seven days of below normal temperatures featuring highs in the 60s and 70s and a couple mornings with patchy frost in areas outside the city. Otherwise, there were many days with highs in the 80s and lows in the upper 50s to 60s. Dry air and plenty of sunny days allowed the high temperatures to be warmer than average compared to overnight temperatures which were above average, but not as much above as daily highs.

There is not much to talk about relative to precipitation this month as there were only two days on which measurable precipitation occurred in the metro, and only one of those wetted the entire area. It’s been a story of flood-or-drought the past few months and October was definitely on the dry end. Until showers fell on parts of the area (including the official gauge at Memphis International Airport) on the 26th, no rain had fallen since the end of September, making the month the driest on record to that point. Finally on Halloween Day, rain fell across the entire metro, yielding about a half inch in most places. The dry weather in Memphis was part of a pattern of very dry conditions in October for much of the nation! Despite that, most of the greater metro remained out of drought conditions at month’s end.

Average temperature: 68.0 degrees (3.4 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 79.8 degrees (4.7 degrees above average) 
Average low temperature: 56.2 degrees (2.2 degrees above average) 
Warmest temperature: 91 degrees (6th) 
Coolest temperature: 40 degrees (17th)
Heating Degrees Days: 47 (69 below average) 
Cooling Degree Days: 147 (45 above average) 
Records set or tied: Record high tied: 85° on October 28th
Comments: None

Monthly total: 0.76″ (3.22″ below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 2 (5.5 days below average) 
Wettest 24-hour period: 0.56″ (31st) 
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: Northeast/35 mph (15th)
Average wind: 5.9 mph
Average relative humidity: 59%
Average sky cover: 16%

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

Average temperature: 64.4 degrees
Average high temperature: 79.6 degrees
Average low temperature: 51.9 degrees
Warmest temperature: 89.5 degrees (6th) 
Coolest temperature: 35.0 degrees (17th)
Comments: None

Monthly total: 0.53″ (automated rain gauge), 0.50″ (CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 
Days with measurable precipitation: 1
Wettest date: 0.53″ (31st) (via automated gauge) 
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: North/23 mph (15th)
Average relative humidity: 72% 
Average barometric pressure: 30.16 in.
Comments: None

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

Average temperature error: 1.37 degrees
Forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 84%
Average dewpoint error: 1.86 degrees
Forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 73%

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

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist


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