Nashville is waking up Tuesday to clear skies and temperatures around 75 degrees, but that relatively mild start will not last. The city is headed for a near-100-degree afternoon, with humidity pushing the feels-like temperature close to 110 and a dangerous stretch of heat building through the weekend.
Tuesday Starts Clear, Then Turns Dangerous
Tuesday will be sunny and hot, with a high near 98 degrees and southwest winds around 5 to 10 mph. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 9 p.m. Thursday, and the National Weather Service warns that heat index values could reach roughly 109 to 110 degrees.
A slight chance of showers could arrive between 7 and 9 p.m. Tuesday, but the odds are only about 20% and most of the day should stay dry. Wednesday will be mostly sunny with another high near 98, while overnight lows remain in the mid to upper 70s.
The Heat Builds Through Sunday
Thursday is expected to reach 99 degrees, followed by highs near 100 Friday, 101 Saturday and 102 Sunday. Monday could bring another high near 101, with a 25% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m.
Rain chances stay limited for most of the week, so storms are unlikely to provide much relief. With nighttime temperatures only dipping to about 76 to 78 degrees, homes and bodies will get little chance to cool down between hot afternoons.
Cooling Help Is Available For Some Residents
Nashville's Metro Action Commission says eligible older adults, families with children under 6 and disabled residents with heat-sensitive medical conditions may receive a free fan or air-conditioning unit through Aug. 31. Applications and program information are available through the Metro Action Commission, including at its office at 1281 Murfreesboro Pike.
For everyone else, health officials recommend drinking water regularly, staying in air conditioning whenever possible and avoiding strenuous outdoor work during the hottest part of the day. Check on older neighbors and anyone who may be especially vulnerable to heat illness, and move indoors immediately if symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or confusion begin.
