Nashville, TN – A warm and wetter-than-normal pattern is expected across Tennessee from Nov. 29th through Dec. 5th, bringing multiple rounds of rainfall statewide as early December begins.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures are projected to run above normal across all of Tennessee, including the Nashville metro, the Memphis area, the Tennessee Valley, and the Appalachian foothills. With this warm pattern in place, all precipitation will fall as rain, except for a very limited chance of brief mixing on the tallest peaks of the Smokies.
NOAA’s precipitation outlook also features a strong above-normal precipitation signal, suggesting several disturbances may move across the state during the week. Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and the central Tennessee corridor may see frequent rain episodes, with pockets of heavier rainfall reducing visibility and slowing commutes along I-65 and I-24.
West Tennessee — including Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, and the Mississippi River counties — will also see steady rainfall, especially if Gulf moisture lifts northward. East Tennessee — including Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities — can expect widespread rain as well, with very limited wintry potential even in the foothills.
Only the highest elevations of the Smoky Mountains — such as Clingmans Dome and Mount Le Conte — may see a brief rain–snow mix, but above-normal temperatures will prevent accumulation.
Forecasters emphasize that this is not one major storm but a multi-system wet pattern, creating slick roads, ponding, and reduced visibility across major highways, including I-40, I-75, I-24, and the Cumberland Plateau routes.
As December begins, Tennesseans should prepare for a mild but rainy week.
