It feels more like a sauna than a Southern summer. Memphis and communities across West Tennessee are under a Heat Advisory until 9 p.m. Friday, with heat index values soaring to a sweltering 105°F. This isn’t just another warm day—it’s a day that could quickly turn dangerous or even deadly, especially for those spending time outdoors.
Health officials and weather experts are sounding the alarm: with temperatures in the low 90s and brutal humidity, the air will feel oppressively hot, thick, and unforgiving. If you’re not careful, a simple afternoon errand could end in heat exhaustion or worse.
Why 105° Feels Like So Much More Than Just Hot
At face value, 92°F might seem tolerable for summer—but today’s heat index tells the real story. That 92° air, paired with heavy humidity, will feel like 105°F or more on your skin. And that’s dangerous. In this kind of heat, your sweat doesn’t evaporate fast enough to cool your body, which means your internal temperature keeps climbing.
This is what meteorologists call a “heat dome”—a stagnant zone of high pressure that traps hot, moist air and holds it in place. It’s why shade doesn’t feel that much cooler and why even early mornings and late evenings offer little comfort.
What to Expect Today Across Memphis and West Tennessee
In Memphis, temperatures will climb into the lower 90s by early afternoon, but what you’ll feel is dramatically worse—a relentless 105°F “feels like” experience. Roads and sidewalks will absorb and radiate heat, turning the pavement into a frying pan by midday.
Elsewhere in West Tennessee, the same pattern holds. Afternoon thunderstorms might pass through some towns, but rather than bringing relief, they often leave behind even more humidity, keeping the heat index high well into the evening.
Who’s Most at Risk—and How to Stay Safe
This kind of heat can be dangerous even for healthy adults—but it’s especially hazardous for:
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Elderly residents
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Children and infants
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People with heart, lung, or kidney conditions
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Outdoor workers and athletes
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Pets, especially those left outside or walked on hot pavement
Here’s how to stay safe:
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Hydrate regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Water is your best defense.
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Avoid outdoor activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—that’s when heat stress hits hardest.
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Wear light, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight.
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Take breaks indoors or in shade—especially if you’re working outside.
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Never leave children, elderly, or pets in a vehicle. Temperatures can skyrocket in minutes.
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Know the warning signs:
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Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea
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Heat stroke: confusion, no sweating, rapid pulse, red hot skin — call 911 immediately
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Afternoon Storms Might Arrive—But They Won’t Cool It Down Much
While a few scattered thunderstorms may drift through later today, don’t expect them to solve the heat problem. They might drop temperatures briefly—but they’ll also leave the air more humid afterward, making things feel even more suffocating.
And with the potential for gusty winds and flash flooding, these storms may create hazards of their own.
Looking Ahead: Will It Get Better This Weekend?
The weekend outlook brings slightly cooler air, but not by much. Saturday and Sunday will still see highs near 90°F with lingering humidity and more scattered storms. Relief may finally arrive early next week, when a cold front could push temperatures into the more tolerable low 80s—and, more importantly, lower humidity.
Until then, today stands out as one of the most dangerous days of the summer so far.
Bottom Line: Take Today’s Heat Seriously
The heat index of 105°F across Memphis and West Tennessee isn’t just a number—it’s a warning. This kind of heat can sneak up fast and turn deadly without warning. Whether you’re heading to work, taking a walk, or running errands, now is the time to slow down, cool off, and protect your health.
