The Great Thaw: Memphis Shakes Off the Ice for a Sunny Monday

A Frigid Morning Greeting

Memphians waking up this Monday, February 2, 2026, are facing a continuation of the weekend's bitter chill. Following a massive weather system that swept through the South, bringing significant snowfall to neighboring states and a deep freeze to the Bluff City, Monday morning begins with a lingering cold weather advisory. Early morning temperatures have settled at a biting 28°F, though wind chills make it feel significantly colder, hovering in the low 20s. Residents are urged to use caution during the morning commute, as any moisture left behind from the weekend’s storm may have refrozen, creating hazardous slick spots on bridges and untreated overpasses.

Afternoon Relief: The Thaw Begins

The good news for those tired of the sub-freezing temperatures is that a much-needed thaw is officially underway. As the sun rose at 6:59 AM, it brought with it clear, sunny skies that will dominate the majority of the day. Forecasters predict that Memphis will finally climb above the freezing mark by mid-day, reaching a pleasant afternoon high of approximately 48°F. This peak temperature represents a significant improvement over the weekend’s "bomb cyclone" conditions that disrupted much of the Eastern U.S. A steady north wind at 12 mph will keep the air feeling crisp, but the ample sunshine—expected to last for about six hours—will go a long way in melting the remaining patches of ice in unshaded areas across Shelby County.

Evening Outlook and Shifting Patterns

As we head into the evening hours, the clear blue skies will gradually give way to increasing cloud cover. Sunset is expected at 5:27 PM, after which temperatures will begin their slow descent. Unlike the previous few nights of extreme cold, overnight temperatures are forecast to remain more moderate, bottoming out in the mid-30s. While the daytime precipitation risk remains a negligible 5%, the chance for rain increases to 20% after midnight. This cloudiness is a precursor to a much wetter Tuesday, as a new cold front approaches the region with a 70% chance of showers. For tonight, the primary concern remains the potential for refreezing on the roads as the day's meltwater hits cooler evening pavement.

Monday Weather Snapshot

• Morning Low: 28°F (Feels like 21°F)
• Afternoon High: 48°F
• Sky Conditions: Sunny throughout the day; turning cloudy at night.
• Wind: North at 10-15 mph.
• Humidity: Approximately 68%.
• Alerts: Morning Cold Weather Advisory; watch for slick spots during the commute.

Stay tuned to memphis.news for real-time traffic updates and further developments as we transition into a wetter pattern later this week.