Ice Fog and Frozen Streets: Memphis Shivers Through Day Three of Winter Emergency

A City on Ice: The Mid-South Remains in Winter's Grip

Memphis continues to grapple with the aftermath of a major winter storm that has brought the city to a standstill. As of Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, the region remains under a state of emergency as dangerously cold temperatures and hazardous road conditions persist. While the heavy precipitation from earlier in the week has moved out, the residual ice and a new threat of morning fog are making for a treacherous start to the day for those attempting to navigate the Bluff City.

Wednesday’s Detailed Weather Breakdown

The forecast for today suggests a brief reprieve in the form of sunlight, though temperatures will remain well below the comfort zone for most Memphians. Residents should prepare for the following conditions throughout the day:

• Morning: The day begins with a significant weather hazard: areas of ice fog. This occurs when moisture in the air freezes on contact with surfaces, potentially worsening the already icy conditions on secondary roads and overpasses. Temperatures will hover in the low 20s during the early commute hours.
• Afternoon: Expect the sky to clear slightly, becoming partly sunny. However, do not let the sunshine deceive you; the projected high is only 36°F. While this may allow for some minor melting on main thoroughfares, much of the city will remain frozen.
• Evening and Night: As the sun sets, the mercury will plummet once again. Forecasters expect a low of 18°F under partly cloudy skies. These frigid overnight temperatures mean that any slush created during the day will likely re-freeze, creating dangerous "black ice" for Thursday morning.

Widespread School Closures and Hazardous Travel

For the third consecutive day, education in the metro area has been put on hold. Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) officials announced that all district offices are closed and events are canceled for Wednesday, January 28, due to the ongoing hazardous weather conditions. The closure extends to suburban districts as well, with public schools in Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, and Lakeland all remaining shuttered today.

City officials and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) report that while crews have made progress on the I-240 loop and major highways, secondary roads remain messy and covered in frozen sheets of ice. Drivers are urged to stay off the roads if possible to allow salt and sand crews to continue their work as temperatures hover near the freezing mark.

Safety Reminders and State of Emergency

With an emergency declaration from President Trump and a local state of emergency declared by Mayor Paul Young, the city is prioritizing the safety of its most vulnerable citizens. Warming centers remain open across the city. Residents are reminded to check on neighbors, keep pets indoors, and allow faucets to drip to prevent pipes from bursting during the sub-freezing overnight hours. With winds remaining calm but cold, the primary threat today remains the combination of ice fog and frozen infrastructure.