May 2025 Climate Report for Memphis, TN

Temperatures were nearly two degrees below average for May, thanks to ample cloud cover and rainfall keeping high temperatures well below average. The average high was 78 degrees and Memphis didn’t even reach 90 degrees during the month, with the warmest day only registering 88 degrees. (The average first 90-degree day is May 24.) Looking at data from the past five Mays, the temperature managed to reach at least 90 degrees three out of five of those years and topped out at 97 in May of 2022. The low temperature dropped as low as 50 degrees on the 5th, but averaged around 62 degrees for the month, which is right at average, after a very cool start.

Much like April, the Mid-South received abundant rainfall again in May, with almost nine inches measured at the airport – more than three inches above normal. This month was the ninth wettest May on record, while the period from April 1-May 31 was the wettest all-time with records dating back over 150 years.

Unfortunately, severe thunderstorms were also prevalent, continuing a trend from April. Hail and strong wind moved through on the 2nd followed by multiple rounds of thunderstorms from the 15th-16th (though most severe weather reports were north and south of the metro.). On the evening of May 20th, severe storms in far north Mississippi resulted in wind damage and even an EF-1 tornado in Hernando, MS (DeSoto County). Additional wind damage occurred on the afternoon of the 20th with a weak tornado touching down in Jackson, TN. A few additional cases of wind damage occurred on the 25th.

Average temperature: 70.3 degrees (1.8 degrees below average)
Average high temperature: 78.0 degrees (3.7 degrees below average) 
Average low temperature: 62.5 degrees (0.1 degrees above average) 
Warmest temperature: 88 degrees (17th) 
Coolest temperature: 50 degrees (5th)
Heating Degrees Days: 10 (11 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 183 (57 below average) 
Records set or tied: Record warm minimum: 76 degrees (16th)
Comments: No days reached 90 degrees (3 below average)

Monthly total: 8.96″ (3.69″ above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 15 (4.4 days above average) 
Wettest 24-hour period: 2.08″ (24th) 
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: Daily maximum rainfall: 2.08″ (24th)
Comments: 9th wettest May on record.

Peak wind: Northwest/56 (18th)
Average wind: 7.9
Average relative humidity: 75%
Average sky cover: 68%

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

Average temperature: 69.8 degrees
Average high temperature: 79.0 degrees
Average low temperature: 61.9 degrees
Warmest temperature: 90.5 degrees (17th) 
Coolest temperature: 48.6 degrees (5th)
Comments: None

Monthly total: 8.27″ (automated rain gauge), 8.05″ (CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 
Days with measurable precipitation: 19
Wettest date: 2.16″ (24th) (via automated gauge) 
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: West/44 mph (22nd)
Average relative humidity: 79% 
Average barometric pressure: 29.93 in.
Comments: None

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

Average temperature error: 2.03 degrees
Forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 73%
Average dewpoint error: 2.10 degrees
Forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 71%

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

Richard Hoseney / Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologists

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