Nashville, Tenn. – Skies over Tennessee may hold two rare sights tonight: lightning from approaching storms and, for some, the glow of the Northern Lights. While storms build into Tuesday, Nashville drivers and residents should also prepare for the unusual possibility of aurora displays reaching deep into the Midwest and South.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a powerful coronal mass ejection is set to fuel auroras visible as far south as Kentucky, Missouri, and possibly Tennessee overnight. That means residents across Middle Tennessee, if skies clear, could glimpse colorful ribbons of light before sunrise Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Nashville warns, however, that scattered storms will push through the region late Monday into Tuesday, limiting visibility and increasing travel risks.
Thunderstorms Tuesday carry a 50 percent chance of striking Nashville by afternoon, with brief heavy rain and lightning possible. Motorists along I-40, I-24, and I-65 should plan for sudden downpours and reduced visibility. Storm activity may taper by Wednesday, but on-and-off showers are expected through midweek.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices, and monitor conditions closely. While the rare aurora sighting may draw people outdoors, safety officials stress avoiding travel during thunderstorms.
More showers linger through Thursday, with sunshine finally returning by the weekend. Temperatures hold in the mid-80s most afternoons, dropping to the mid-60s at night.
Five Day Forecast for Nashville, TN:
- Tuesday: High 82, 50% chance of thunderstorms, low 63 overnight.
- Wednesday: High 85, scattered storms, low 64.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 81, clear night low 56.
- Friday: Sunny, high 84, mild overnight.
- Saturday: Mostly clear, high 84, low 60.
