Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Memphis area environment offers film-makers a variety of terrains and a very temperate climate. Even though it is in the South, Memphis experiences all four seasons. Crisp winter nights contrast sultry summer days allowing film-makers to experience the best of both worlds.
Topography varies from the level alluvial are in east-central Arkansas to the slightly rolling are in northwestern Mississippi and southwestern Tennessee.
Agricultural interests are varied, with major crops being corn, cotton, hay, soybeans, peaches, apples, and a considerable number of vegetables. The climate is quite favorable for dairy interests, and for the raising of cattle and hogs.
The growing season is about 230 days in length. The average dated for the last occurrence of temperatures as low as 32 degrees is late March. The average date of the first temperature of 32 degrees or below is early November.
Precipitation of nearly 50 inches per year is fairly well distributed. Crops and pastures receive, on the average, an adequate supply of moisture during the growing season, with lesser amounts during the fall harvesting period.
Sunshine averages slightly over 70 percent of the possible amount during the growing season. Relative humidity averages about 70 percent for the year.
Memphis, although not in the normal paths of storms coming from the Gulf or from western Canada, is affected by both and thereby has comparatively frequent changes in weather. Extremely high or low temperatures, however, are relatively rare.
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| Annual Average Temperature: (Winter Average, 43oF; Summer Average, 80oF)62oFAnnual Average Precipitation:50 inchesAnnual Average Snowfall:5.1 inchesPrevailing Wind Direction:SouthwestAmount of Time Memphis International Airport is Unaffected by Impassable Weather:99.9%Elevation:331 feet |
SOURCES: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA), 2002; MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY 2003 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
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