Nashville woke up under a thick blanket of clouds Thursday, with temperatures hovering around 70°F at first light. Showers are likely from mid-morning into early afternoon, and there is a chance of thunderstorms later as highs climb into the low 80s. Brief, heavy downpours and gusty pockets of wind could turn the afternoon commute into a slick, slow crawl.
What To Expect Today
Rain is most likely between mid-morning and early afternoon, with a high near 82°F and southwest winds generally in the 5 to 10 mph range. The hourly forecast keeps rain chances elevated through about 1 p.m., then shifts to scattered storms into the evening. In other words, keep the raincoat or umbrella within easy reach for errands and outdoor plans, according to the National Weather Service.
Evening Storms Could Arrive Quickly
Forecasters updated their discussion this morning and say timing will be key. Guidance points to a cluster of storms that could roll in roughly between 7 and 9 p.m., which would limit instability and keep the severe threat on the lower side. Still, any stronger cells could deliver gusty winds and isolated hail, along with brief white-knuckle moments on the road as visibility drops in heavier downpours. You can dig into the details in the National Weather Service discussion.
Weekend Outlook
Another round of showers and thunderstorms is likely Saturday ahead of a cold front, with gusts as high as 20 to 25 mph possible in stronger storms. Behind that front, Saturday night could drop into the 40s in some spots. Sunday looks drier and cooler, with highs in the upper 60s, and a calmer, sunnier start to next week on tap. Forecasters say weekend rainfall totals should be modest, helpful for thirsty plants but not enough to erase the spring dry spell.
Plan Ahead
No watches or warnings are posted at the moment, but conditions could change quickly this afternoon and evening, so it is worth keeping an eye on local alerts and radar. For more background on the warm, dry stretch leading up to this system, see our earlier report on Nashville's recent hot, dry stretch. Secure loose outdoor items, skip open burns where they are prohibited, and give yourself extra time for wet-weather driving over the next 48 hours.
