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A midsummer day’s heat to blast Memphis this week

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 21, 2025 11:39 AM CT | Published: June 21, 2025 11:04 AM CT

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Memphians, best just to stay inside if you can this weekend.

But if you can’t, be prepared because the temperatures are going to be brutal, befitting for the official start of summer in the Mid-South.


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The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, with the temperature each day expected to reach 95 degrees while the heat index is expected to reach between 105-109 degrees. It’s not just Memphis, either, as many parts of the country are being hit by this wave.

Because of the hot weather, the Hospitality Hub of Memphis has opened a cooling center Saturday, June 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. Those looking to cool off can head to the hub’s location at 590 Washington Ave. The center is open to all, but guests will need to check in upon arrival. IDs are not required.

Transportation will be provided by MATA; requests can be made by calling 901-486-0939 during the cooling center’s hours. The hub’s regular services will be limited during the cooling center’s operations. Sack meals will be provided while supplies last.

That forecast must be particularly disheartening for organizers of the Mid-South Pride parade that begins at noon Saturday on Beale Street after organizers had to cancel the event two weeks ago because of thunderstorms. The parade is still scheduled for Saturday, according to social media.

Similar temperatures are expected for the rest of the week, so it’s likely other heat advisories will be issued, meteorologist Erik Proseus said.

“The entire weekend is going to be hot and humid,” Proseus said. “It looks like it’s going to be sticking around for the better part of a week.”

Proseus said Memphis will be getting hit with something of a triple whammy in the next few days. First, residents have experienced somewhat mild temperatures so far this year with the first day to hit 90 or more degrees not coming until June 5. That day typically arrives by May 24, he said.

Then instead of the high temperatures slowly ramping up and providing a chance to adjust, this heat wave will blast the area before most have gotten a chance to become acclimated.

And with all the rain the city has had recently, the ground is still wet, which will increase the humidity.

“It’s going to feel like midsummer, and our bodies aren’t quite acclimated for that yet,” Proseus said. “Acclimating to what would normally be midsummer-type weather is going to be more difficult just because we’re not used to this type of heat.”

Anyone who has to be outside is encouraged to take frequent breaks in shady or air-conditioned areas, keep hydrated, avoid strenuous activity and wear light-colored and lightweight clothing. Also, a stern reminder to never leave pets and kids in cars during days like this.

Topics

extreme heat summer National Weather Service MemphisWeather.net

Jody Callahan

Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.


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