Memphis, TN, September 2, 2025

News Summary

Memphis and the Mid-South are now under moderate drought conditions due to an abnormally dry August, with rainfall significantly below average. The drought impacts local farmers and raises concerns for barge traffic on the Mississippi River. Tropical Storm Francine may provide temporary relief, but predictions suggest continued dryness could unbalance local agriculture and increase fire risks.

Memphis Declared in Moderate Drought Following Abnormally Dry August

Memphis and much of the Mid-South region are now classified under moderate drought conditions, attributed to a significant lack of rainfall recorded throughout August 2025. This drought status was officially noted after the local weather data revealed that Memphis received less than a tenth of an inch of rain last month, well below the usual average of over three inches.

August is characteristically one of the drier months in Memphis, but this year’s extreme aridity has raised concerns. Although some neighborhoods experienced isolated thunderstorms, the precipitation was insufficient to alleviate creeping drought conditions. Consequently, there is a predicted continuation of low rainfall for the upcoming two weeks, which may intensify the ongoing drought.

The water levels in the Mississippi River are already lowered, primarily due to insufficient rainfall in areas to the river’s north. These reduced water levels pose potential risks to barge traffic, which has previously faced shutdowns caused by low river conditions, leading to economic strains in the region.

As the ground remains dry, the risk for fires escalates. Even minor actions, like discarding cigarette butts, could ignite dried vegetation, posing a significant hazard. The current drought presents particular challenges to Mid-South farmers, especially those growing cotton and soybeans, who depend on consistent moisture to ensure healthy crop growth. Without adequate rainfall, these farmers may face tough choices between investing in costly irrigation systems or risking diminished yields.

A potential relief from these drought conditions may arise from Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to make landfall in Mississippi. While this storm may bring several inches of rain, it is important to note that the drought conditions may not be entirely resolved by the expected precipitation. The forecast anticipates significant rainfall for West and Middle Tennessee, with estimated amounts between three to four inches between Thursday and Saturday. Fortunately, this rain is not expected to cause flooding since it will be spread across multiple days.

While wind gusts from Tropical Storm Francine could reach speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour, they are not predicted to reach advisory levels. The overall situation regarding drought in Tennessee appears to be worsening, as reported on September 3. Data shows that a staggering 88.76% of Tennessee was experiencing drought conditions, a marked increase from 76.21% just a week prior. The western and middle parts of Tennessee are encountering the most severe drought, with some areas classified under “extreme drought” (D3). Currently, there are no counties in Tennessee designated as facing “exceptional drought” (D4).

Additionally, while East Tennessee is experiencing dry conditions, the severity is not as pronounced compared to the western and middle regions. Recent Drought Monitoring reports indicate that parts of Davidson County are experiencing moderate drought conditions (D1). Future rain patterns may be influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, possibly leading to unpredictable weather in the coming months.

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Additional Resources

• Local Memphis: Drought Monitor Update
• Wikipedia: Drought
• Action News 5: Shelby County Drought Conditions
• Google Search: Mississippi River Drought
• Arkansas Advocate: Mississippi River Drought
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
• Local Memphis: Drought Development in Memphis
• Google Scholar: Drought Effects

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 area—with 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.