Mid-South prepares for weekend winter storm as snow, sleet, and freezing rain target Memphis area
Wintry precipitation expected Saturday as temperatures drop sharply
A significant shift to winter weather is forecast across the Mid-South this weekend, with Memphis and surrounding counties facing a risk of snow, sleet, and freezing rain as colder air settles into the region. Forecast data for Memphis indicates a period of wintry precipitation on Saturday, January 24, followed by very cold conditions into Sunday, January 25.
The expected setup combines subfreezing air with moisture moving through the area, creating the potential for mixed precipitation rather than a single, uniform type. In Memphis, the Saturday forecast includes periods of snow, sleet and freezing rain, with a daytime high near 21°F and lows in the teens overnight—temperatures supportive of icy travel impacts if precipitation develops as projected.
What residents can expect: timing, hazards, and uncertainty
The highest-impact window currently centers on Saturday, when wintry precipitation is expected during the day. While exact totals and precipitation type distribution can shift as the system approaches, the core hazards are consistent: slippery roads, reduced visibility during heavier bursts, and ice accumulation on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.
In winter systems affecting the Mid-South, small changes in temperature—often by only a degree or two—can alter outcomes between mostly snow, mostly sleet, or predominantly freezing rain. That sensitivity is especially important for the Memphis metro area, where surface temperatures and the structure of colder air near the ground frequently determine whether roads remain merely wet or turn hazardous.
Primary risk: hazardous driving conditions from snow/sleet accumulation and ice formation, especially early and late in the day when temperatures are coldest.
Secondary risk: disruptions to normal weekend travel plans due to rapid changes in road conditions.
Cold aftermath: even after precipitation ends, refreezing may persist into Sunday morning if moisture remains on pavement.
Transportation and operations: why ice matters most in this region
For the Mid-South, freezing rain and sleet often create greater operational challenges than snowfall alone. Ice can develop quickly on untreated surfaces and can linger when temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods. With Sunday’s forecast staying well below freezing—high near 26°F—any leftover moisture could continue to pose a hazard even after skies begin to clear.
Residents should anticipate rapidly changing conditions Saturday and continued cold that may prolong impacts into Sunday.
What to monitor through the weekend
Key updates to watch include changes in the predicted precipitation start time, shifts in the rain-to-snow/sleet transition line, and any adjustments to expected wind and temperature trends. These elements will shape whether the primary impact is limited to intermittent slick spots or becomes a broader travel disruption across Memphis and the Mid-South.