The relative warmth of last month – which concluded as the third warmest November on record locally and didn’t feature a sub-freezing morning until the 29th – is now but a distant memory. A series of cold fronts has resulted in a week of below average temperatures, including morning lows below freezing each day since Black Friday morning. That pattern will continue into a busy weekend for holiday events.
Sunny and cold to end the week
The last in a series of fronts bringing Canadian air into the Mid-South passes through tonight, bringing one more very chilly airmass. That will mean sunny skies to end the week, but a cold breeze Thursday that will keep wind chill readings in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
As wind calms Thursday night, expect the coldest night of the season (so far) with temperatures in the city dropping into the lower 20s, and likely some upper teens in surrounding rural areas. You’ll want to be sure you have taken care of the 4 P’s – people, pets, plants, and pipes!
Friday will be sunny again, but a northeasterly wind will keep temperatures in check as highs barely creep above 40 degrees. Plan on an extra layer if you are heading to Zoo Lights, Starry Nights, or any of the other seasonal activities in the evening as temperatures drop into the 30s. Fortunately, very little wind is expected, so wind chills won’t be a factor.
Warming this weekend leads to rain
Saturday might be the best day of the next few to take in outdoor activities as afternoon temperatures start to warm a bit before rain moves in on Sunday. St. Jude Marathon participants can expect sunshine and light wind Saturday, but cold conditions as temperatures start in the upper 20s at sunrise then warm to the mid 40s by late morning. With several holiday parades on deck Saturday afternoon and evening, temperatures should be in the 40s – just enough of a chill to feel like the holidays, but not frostbite-in-ten-minutes cold!
On Sunday, southerly wind increases and with it, our rain chances. While the day may start dry, by evening steady rain appears likely as temperatures climb from near 40 early in the day to the mid 50s by afternoon. If you have a choice on when to put your outdoor decor outside this weekend, Sunday is probably not the best option, unless you start early.
Looking ahead, temperatures next week will start mild (perhaps even “warm” for December) before cooling back down by mid-week. Rain chances could continue into Monday before drying out by mid-week.
Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist
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