Nashville, Tennessee – A colder late-January pattern could bring an increased risk for a winter storm system across parts of Tennessee and Kentucky as the month winds down, with central and western areas of both states most likely to see impacts.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, outlooks for January 17 through January 30 favor below-normal temperatures extending across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. Precipitation signals during that period suggest the potential for one or more organized systems as colder air presses southward and interacts with moisture tracking in from the west or Gulf region.
In Tennessee, the greatest concern would be across Middle Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau, including the Nashville metro, where temperatures often hover near critical thresholds during winter systems. A storm arriving overnight or early in the day could lead to snow or a wintry mix, creating slick travel conditions along I-40, I-24, and I-65. Higher elevations east of Nashville tend to see colder air linger longer, increasing winter weather potential.
Across Kentucky, central and western portions of the state, including areas near Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and the Pennyrile region, could also be affected if colder air is firmly in place. Travel impacts are possible on major routes such as I-65, I-24, and the Western Kentucky Parkway.
Residents across both states are encouraged to monitor weather updates closely late this month and prepare for possible travel disruptions. While details remain uncertain at this range, the overall pattern supports at least one late-January winter weather setup, and additional advisories or alerts may be issued as confidence increases closer to the event.
