Memphis Temperatures Plunge From 70s to 30s

A dry cold front arrives Friday, bringing the first real chill of the season to Memphis and the Mid-South.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Current Conditions

Bare winter trees line a pale Mississippi River bank under a clear sky with morning mist rising off the water. — Memphis temperatures are set to drop from the 70s into the 30s by week's end as a dry cold front arrives Friday, November 7. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you plan to lower your thermostat this winter to save on heating bills?

Memphis highs in the 70s are set to fall to lows in the 30s by the end of the week as a dry cold front arrives on Friday, November 7. Weekend highs are expected in the 50s with lows in the upper 30s and low 40s.

Why it matters

The sharp drop marks the first cooler weather of the season for Memphis and the wider Mid-South, prompting residents to think about heating costs and indoor comfort. Keeping energy bills down is a priority for homeowners during winter.

The forecast draws on Memphis temperature projections for the week, with the Department of Energy recommending a 68-degree winter thermostat setting. Over the past five years, Memphis averaged 48.8 degrees in December, 41.1 in January and 46.6 in February, with unresolved timing for the cold snap's full duration.

The details

A dry cold front moves through Memphis on Friday, November 7, after a stretch of mild 60s and 70s weather. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 50s during the weekend, with overnight lows in the upper 30s and low 40s, before heading back into the 40s on Monday night.

Through Thursday, November 6: Mild 60s and 70s continue in Memphis.
Friday, November 7: Dry cold front arrives.
Weekend of November 7-8: Highs in the 50s, lows in the upper 30s and low 40s.
Monday night, November 9: Temperatures head back into the 40s.

Seasonal Patterns

The cold front arrives as Memphis shifts from mild autumn weather into winter, with the city's five-year averages of 48.8 degrees in December, 41.1 in January and 46.6 in February framing the season ahead. The Department of Energy's 68-degree winter thermostat guidance applies directly to these seasonal lows.

Residents can set thermostats to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in colder weather, following Department of Energy guidance. When away from home, lowering the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees is recommended, and the heating system does not work harder to warm the home back up.

The takeaway

Small thermostat adjustments can offset the higher heating demands of a sudden cold snap. Lowering the setting when away from home and keeping indoor temperatures within the WHO-recommended range of 64 to 75 degrees helps balance comfort and energy costs.