Nashville, TN – A powerful late-November cold front will sweep through the Tennessee Valley this Thanksgiving weekend, replacing mild holiday weather with soaking rain, gusty winds, and the coldest air of the season by Sunday night. The shift could cause slick mountain roads and a widespread frost or light freeze early next week.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Nashville, TN, and Huntsville, AL, temperatures between November 28 and December 4 are expected to dip well below normal, with highs in the 40s and lows dropping into the 20s and low 30s. Rain will develop Friday and persist into early Saturday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures as northwest winds usher in Arctic air. The coldest readings are expected Monday and Tuesday mornings, when widespread frost and patchy black ice may form on untreated surfaces.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, wet roads along I-24, I-40, and I-75 could become slick late Saturday night as temperatures fall quickly behind the front. The Smoky Mountains may see snow showers above 3,000 feet, while the Cumberland Plateau could pick up a brief mix of sleet or flurries.
Residents should cover outdoor faucets, bring pets indoors, and protect sensitive plants ahead of the freeze. Travelers returning from Thanksgiving should plan for slower driving conditions in higher terrain and stay updated on advisories from local NWS offices.
