March 2026 Climate Report for Memphis, TN

To say it was a warm month would be an understatement. In fact, almost the entire CONUS ended the month warmer than average, and most of the nation well above average. That included Memphis, where the average temperature (an average of daily highs and lows) was more than eight degrees above average and the third warmest March on record. This was despite a brief but brutal cold spell mid-month when a record low temperature of 25 was tied on the 17th. However, only five days during the month were below average and eight warm temperature records more than offset the brief cold spell.

While the warmth dominated the headlines, a lack of precipitation (especially after the first two weeks) was almost as important. Drought conditions continued in March as nearly all of the four inches of rain received at Memphis International Airport fell in the first half of the month. A severe weather episode on the 15th was followed by a quick-hitting Canadian airmass and very dry conditions the rest of the month. A few severe thunderstorms produced damaging wind on the 15th (see below), while the prediction for potential tornadoes thankfully did not materialize locally.

Average temperature: 62.4 degrees (8.2 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 73.2 degrees (9.0 degrees above average) 
Average low temperature: 51.6 degrees (73.3 degrees above average) 
Warmest temperature: 86 degrees (22nd) 
Coolest temperature: 25 degrees (17th)
Heating Degrees Days: 159 (193 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 86 (68 above average) 
Records set or tied: Record high temperatures were tied on the 4th (81°), 6th (83°°) and 21st (84°), and set on the 22nd (86°). Record warm minimum temperatures were tied on the 5th (67°) and 31st (66°), and set on the 10th (67°). Amongst all the record warm temperatures, a record low temperature was also tied on the 17th (25°).
Comments: March 2026 was the third warmest on record. Only 2 days dropped to or below freezing (1.5 days below average)

Monthly total: 4.17″ (1.57″ below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 7 (4.5 days below average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 1.68″ (7th) 
Snowfall: None
Records set or tied: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: Northwest/51 mph (15th)
Average wind: 10.7 mph
Average relative humidity: 58%
Average sky cover: 52%

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

Average temperature: 62.6 degrees
Average high temperature: 75.3 degrees
Average low temperature: 50.8 degrees
Warmest temperature: 89.2 degrees (22nd) 
Coolest temperature: 22.7 degrees (17th)
Comments: None

Monthly total: 4.01″ (automated rain gauge), 4.02″ (CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 
Days with measurable precipitation: 6
Wettest date: 1.33 ″ (11th) (via automated gauge) 
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: South/30 mph (15th)
Average relative humidity: 64% 
Average barometric pressure: 30.08 in.
Comments: None

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

Average temperature error: 1.81 degrees
Forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 74%
Average dewpoint error: 2.48 degrees
Forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 62%

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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