Tennessee – The pavement is already warming, the air feels heavy before midday, and Middle Tennessee is heading into another stretch of dangerous summer heat. Anyone spending time outdoors this afternoon should prepare for oppressive conditions as heat index values climb toward 110 degrees, making even short periods outside physically demanding.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from 10 a.m. today until 8 p.m. Tuesday for much of Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Gallatin, Lebanon, Columbia, Springfield and surrounding communities. Heat index values are expected to reach 110 degrees, creating an elevated risk for heat-related illnesses.
Nashville is expected to reach 97 degrees this afternoon after a slight chance of morning showers moves out. While a few isolated showers could briefly develop early in the day, sunshine will quickly take over, allowing temperatures and humidity to surge. Commuters along Interstates 24, 40 and 65 should expect dry roads for much of the afternoon, but anyone walking, working or exercising outdoors will feel temperatures well above the actual air reading.
The persistent heat is part of a much larger heat wave covering the central and southern United States. The atmosphere remains capped enough to keep widespread storms away through much of the period, although isolated thunderstorms may return Tuesday afternoon before a gradual cooldown begins.
By Wednesday, highs ease to around 90 degrees under sunny skies, offering noticeable relief compared with the previous two days. Dry weather continues into Thursday before scattered thunderstorms become possible again late in the week.
Drink water before you become thirsty, wear lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks in air conditioning, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. Check on elderly neighbors and anyone without reliable cooling during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures into the 6-to-10-day period, meaning summer heat is likely to remain a recurring theme even after this week’s brief break.
Five-Day Forecast for Nashville, Tennessee
- Today: High 97°. 30% chance of morning showers, then mostly sunny. Heat index up to 113°.
- Tuesday: High 98°. Mostly sunny with a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Heat index up to 113°.
- Wednesday: Sunny with a high near 90°.
- Thursday: Sunny with a high near 90°.
- Friday: High 92°. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
