Heat Wave Struck Memphis Through the Weekend

Residents in Memphis face high temperatures and humidity levels exceeding 100 degrees through the coming days.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Forecasts

Shimmering heat haze rises from a dry asphalt street near a weathered iron hydrant and patches of parched grass. — Memphis residents are bracing for extreme heat as temperatures and heat indices are forecast to reach 105 degrees this Sunday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Memphis will experience mid-to-upper 90-degree heat with dangerous heat indices reaching 105 degrees on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to remain elevated before cooling slightly to near 90 degrees by Wednesday.

Why it matters

The prolonged period of high heat and humidity creates significant conditions for heat-related illness in the local community. Residents should monitor conditions as temperatures remain well above seasonal averages through the early week.

Sunday will see high temperatures in the mid and upper 90s with heat indices between 100 and 105 degrees. Monday and Tuesday will maintain highs in the low-to-mid 90s with heat indices hovering near 100 degrees.

The details

The current weather pattern brings sunshine coupled with potential scattered showers and storms across the region on Monday and Tuesday. While relief is on the horizon, temperatures will linger in the low 90s until a expected dip toward 90 degrees on Wednesday.

Sunday: High temperatures reach the mid to upper 90s.
Monday: Highs in the low to mid 90s with Yom Kippur beginning at 6:59 p.m.
Tuesday: Autumnal Equinox occurs at 7:04 p.m. with highs in the low 90s.
Wednesday: High temperatures drop to near 90 degrees.

Seasonal Patterns

This weather event follows the National Weather Service's Heat Index thresholds by highlighting the dangerous heat index levels between 100 and 105 degrees. The incoming autumn conditions are punctuated by the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox on Tuesday evening.

Residents should limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours when heat indices hit 105 degrees. Staying hydrated and monitoring vulnerable family members are essential safety measures during this high-heat period.

The takeaway

Maintaining indoor cooling and minimizing direct sun exposure are critical steps for residents during this heat wave. Despite the incoming autumn season, these high temperatures emphasize that late-season heat events require continued vigilance.