MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Get ready for some major changes in the weather. First, Saturday will be nice with highs in the upper 40s. Clouds will increase in the afternoon, but we will stay dry.
Sunday is when the impactful weather begins. Rain will get going early in the morning, could be briefly heavy at times. Temperatures will warm into the upper 50s and low 60s in the afternoon. A line of rain and thunderstorms will move through around 3pm, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds. There is a low chance of severe weather.
Once the line of thunderstorms passes, the arctic cold air will begin to move in. Temperatures will plummet Sunday night into the 20s. As the storm system departs the area, moisture may wrap around behind it. With cold air in place, that moisture could turn into quick bursts of snow overnight into Monday morning. The most likely area for that would be northeast Arkansas and northwest Tennessee. Minimal accumulation is expected. The greater concern will be a flash freeze that may take place, as standing water from afternoon storms could freeze overnight and cause icy spots on roadways Monday morning.
Next week will be very cold with highs struggling to get above freezing through Thursday and lows at night in the teens and twenties. Take the time now to prepare your home: make sure your heating system is functioning properly, wrap the exterior pipes outside your home, give your pets a warm place to stay.
It is always a good idea to prepare for frigid temperatures before they arrive. If you or someone you know needs warm clothing or food, click here to find resources available to you across Memphis.
Around this time last year, WREG spoke with Michael Claunch with Solace Services, a plumbing, heating, and air company in Memphis.
He recommended that when freezing temperatures arrive, leave the water in your faucets at a steady steam, not just a drip, to prevent your pipes from bursting. You can also leave your cabinets open overnight to allow the heat from your home to flow around pipes.
Claunch also says to make sure to disconnect your garden hose and cover your outside water spigot with a cover outside your home.
If your pipes freeze, turn off the main valve inside your house, if possible, and call Memphis Light Gas and Water emergency contact number at 528-4465.
Experts say it is also important to check your battery, engine, and tires on your car. Those three things often give drivers issues during the winter.