Memphis Faces Unprecedented Dry Spell
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ If you’ve been keeping an eye on the weather lately, you might have noticed that itโs been pretty dry around here. In fact, Memphis is on track to experience a rainless calendar month for only the third time in history! So, whatโs got us in this situation? Let’s dive into the details.
The Dry Season Dilemma
Being located in the Mid-South, our local weather patterns typically bring us a wet season during the Spring months. The summer and early fall usually see a drop in precipitation, particularly in August, September, and October. However, 2024 is showing us some of the driest weather we’ve seen all year!
Surprisingly, we’ve managed to collect about 14.85 inches of rain so far this year. But here’s where it gets interesting: more than 80% of the days over the past month have been completely dry! How can that be, you might ask? It turns out the rain we’ve received has largely come from the remnants of tropical storms, specifically a couple named Francine and Helene.
Counting the Days
Right now, weโre sitting at a striking count of 25 days without a drop of rain in the Memphis area. Weโre edging closer to setting records that go as high as the 30s! Interestingly, all these significant dry spells tend to wrap up by the end of October. Itโs during these dry times that high pressure systems take control, and boy, have they been holding strong!
What’s Behind the Weather?
If we look at the broader picture, the weather has been characterized by a phenomenon known as zonal flow, which leads to exceptionally quiet conditions. Think of it like a peaceful lake with not a ripple in sightโno rain, no storms, just calm weather patterns.
Whatโs Next for Us?
As we approach the end of the month, thereโs a promising shift on the horizon. Weather experts are predicting a ridge to build in, typically associated with warmer and drier weather. But before we get too settled into this dry spell, we might just catch a break in early November.
The Weather Prediction Center suggests we could see a cold front moving in then, which may bring some rain our way. While expectations aren’t too high for an impressive amount, every bit helps in shaking us out of this prolonged dry spell.
A Community Concern
This unusual weather situation has raised a few eyebrows around town. Many folks are chatting about how dry conditions could impact local agriculture and water supplies. When the rain doesnโt fall, crops can suffer, and so do local gardens. Additionally, reservoir levels may begin to dwindle if we donโt get some moisture soon.
Stay Tuned!
To keep up with all the latest weather updates, itโs wise to stay informed through your favorite weather apps or follow local forecasts. Remember, dry days can turn into wet ones in the blink of an eye, especially here in Memphis!
Letโs keep our fingers crossed for some rain soon. It sure would be nice to welcome a little drizzle to break this quiet spell and help our gardens thrive once again!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
