Bitter Cold Holds On: A Gray Thursday for the Bluff City

A Cold and Overcast Outlook

Memphis remains locked in a winter's grip this Thursday, January 29, 2026. After a week of tumultuous weather that brought significant wintry precipitation and an impactful storm to the Mid-South, today offers a slight break from falling snow and ice, but no relief from the biting temperatures. Residents waking up today will find the city blanketed under a thick, overcast sky that is expected to persist throughout the day. While the sun may remain hidden, the primary concern for Memphians will be the lingering arctic air mass that has settled over the region, keeping temperatures well below the freezing mark for the duration of the day.

Morning: A Frigid Start for Commuters

The morning hours are particularly harsh, with temperatures starting at a bone-chilling 14°F. As the city begins its day, the lack of solar heating due to the heavy overcast conditions means that there will be very little movement in the mercury during the early commute. High pressure to the north continues to funnel arctic air into Shelby County. While winds are not currently gusting at advisory levels, even a light breeze is enough to push wind chill values into the single digits. Those heading out to work or school are urged to layer up and limit skin exposure, as the combination of high humidity and low temperatures makes the air feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests.

Afternoon: Struggling to Reach the Highs

By the afternoon, the temperature is expected to reach a daily high of only 26°F. This remains significantly lower than the historical average for late January in Memphis. The overcast sky will remain heavy and gray, preventing any significant melting of the ice and snow that may still be cluttering secondary roads and sidewalks from the weekend’s historic storm. While no new precipitation is expected during the daylight hours, the dreary conditions will likely keep the mood somber across the city. Visibility is expected to be clear of fog, but the persistent cloud cover will make for a dim and monochromatic afternoon.

Evening and Overnight: Preparing for a Frosty Night

As the sun sets—though it will hardly be visible behind the clouds—temperatures will quickly begin their descent back toward the mid-teens. By the evening hours, we expect to see readings around 18°F, eventually bottoming out at 14°F again overnight. There is a slight shift in the forecast for the coming days, with potential for light freezing rain and snow on Friday and Saturday, making tonight the final window to ensure your home and vehicle are prepared for another round of winter weather. Winds are expected to remain steady from the north at 5 to 10 mph, maintaining that persistent chill through the night.

Safety Reminders and Travel Precautions

• Protect the Pipes: With temperatures remaining well below freezing for the duration of the day, ensure your indoor pipes are dripped and outdoor faucets are covered to prevent bursting.
• Check on Neighbors: The extreme cold can be dangerous for the elderly and those without adequate heating. Please check in on vulnerable residents and ensure they have a warm space.
• Road Conditions: Although no new snow is falling today, hazardous patches of black ice remain a threat on bridges and overpasses where previous melting may have refrozen overnight.
• Pet Safety: Bring all pets indoors. If it is too cold for you to stand outside comfortably, it is far too cold for them to be left outdoors.