Nashville woke up to clear skies Monday and a comfy low-60s start, around 61°F. That calm look will not last long. Temperatures are expected to surge toward 85°F this afternoon with gusty south-southeast winds kicking up and a growing threat of strong storms late tonight into early Tuesday, April 28. A stray shower could pop up during the day, but the real concern is Monday evening through the overnight hours and then again Tuesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are likely Monday evening and overnight, with all modes of severe weather on the table and wind gusts that could reach around 30 mph. Forecasters say a second round of strong storms may fire up Tuesday night, and some of those storms could dump heavy rain in short bursts, roughly a quarter to half an inch. The NWS also notes that remnants of an earlier convective complex could brush far western portions of the mid state Monday morning, although that risk is lower than the main evening episode.
Tonight Through Early Tuesday
Slight showers are possible Monday morning across far western Middle Tennessee, but the primary line of organized storms is expected to roll in late Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday, April 28. During the strongest cells, expect frequent lightning, quick-hitting downpours and damaging wind gusts capable of snapping weak branches and tossing around unsecured outdoor items. The late-night timing adds a layer of risk for early commutes and for anyone who might be asleep when the storms arrive.
Tuesday Outlook
Tuesday, April 28 stays warm, with highs near 83°F and breaks of sunshine between rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Showers and storms are likely in the morning, with another round possible Tuesday evening into the night as a secondary low tracks through the region. By Wednesday, things cool down a bit, with highs in the mid 70s and only spotty, lingering showers expected.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Monday evening commuters could run into sudden downpours and gusty winds, so budget extra travel time and do not try to drive through flooded roadways. If you have outdoor plans Monday night or Tuesday, it is a good idea to move them inside or pick a backup day. Secure lawn furniture, trash bins and anything else that can turn into airborne yard decor, and make sure your devices are charged so you can receive severe weather alerts. Report any downed power lines and outages to Nashville Electric Service and follow guidance from local officials if watches or warnings are issued.
We first flagged this setup in an April 24 update; revisit our earlier storm setup breakdown for background and initial timing. We will share updates if watches or warnings are issued and again after the storms move through.
