Winter is here to stay, Nashville.
After enjoying cool fall weather, temperatures have plummeted into the low twenties and thirties. On Monday, the Middle Tennessee region experienced some of it’s coldest weather yet, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a freeze warning for the area.
You are viewing: When Will It Snow In Tennessee
As temperatures plummet and freeze warnings are issued more often, Tennesseans are recommended to prepare for the cold by keeping in mind the “four P’s: People, pets, pipes, and plants.” But will you need to dust off the snow shovel and snow boots?
According to Krissy Hurley, meteorologist-in-charge at NWS Nashville, it’s still too early for snow predictions. There are however seasonal expectations.
2023 is an El Niño year, which means more opportunities for wintry weather if the cold arctic air can make it to Tennessee since the jetstream is usually further south and active across the southern half of the U.S., said Hurley.
This is great news as far as the ongoing drought statewide.
Generally speaking, main snow months are January and February however there is still a possibility for snow events in December and March. Here is what past snow events can tell us about this upcoming winter.
More:What NOAA winter outlook means for Tennessee on an El Niño year
Does Nashville get snow?
Read more : When The Trash Man Knocks
According to the NWS, Nashville has received an average of nearly 5 inches of snow since 1991. On average, the first measurable snow occurs around Dec. 23.
The highest winter snowfall occurred between 1959 and 1960, when the city received nearly 39 inches of snow.
Which places in Middle Tennessee get the most snow?
The Cumberland Plateau receives more snow than the rest of Middle Tennessee, said Hurley. Crossville averages about 10 inches of snow in the winter season, while Nashville averages 4.7 inches she said.
Historically, seasonal snowfall has been steadily declining through the decades.
Why are we seeing less snow each year?
According to Hurley, the reason for the downward trend in snowfall has to do with the upward trend in temperatures.
“Normal Average Temperatures are computed every 10 years,” she said. “Nashville’s Normal Average Temperature went up 1.5F degrees to 60.8F (1991-2020) compared to 59.3F (1981-2010).”
A look back at Tennessee’s top 5 snowstorms
Nashville’s biggest snowstorms date back all the way to 1886. In February of that year, Nashville received 16 inches of snow. A report from Feb. 3 stated that it was one of the most severe ever experienced in the state, it caused a a near suspension of railroad traffic and halted all mail carriers and general travel, which in that period consisted of stage coaches.
More:Will it snow in Tennessee this winter? These signs of nature might tell you what to expect
Read more : When I Sneeze My Arms Hurt Really Bad
In March 1892, Nashville received 17 inches of snow. It was reported then that Nashville has been at the center of the storm area. Men were sent to remove the accumulated snow from the rooftops and the Telephone Company sent out vehicles to gather the female operators, the report stated that the snow did not interrupt the telephone lines.
In February 1929, Nashville received 15 inches of snow. A report from Feb. 21 stated that thousands of people were forced to walk through the mounting snow while taxis and trucks took stranded people home. Reports also stated that out of the entire Middle Tennessee area, Nashville, Gallatin and Clarksville received the most snow. Gallatin received 10 inches and Clarksville nine.
In January of 1951 and 1964, Nashville received 10 inches of snow.
In 1964, many people enjoyed the sheet of snow which had fallen on the city. Reports stated that since it was a holiday many people remained indoors sipping hot beverages and watching football on TV.
Others however, had issues with transportation.
Look back:How many white Christmases has Nashville had? Here’s the list.
“The biggest problem was moving – that is, how best to do it,” said a report. “Drivers found it impossible to get their cars out of driveways because in many instances – the show was much deeper than the bottoms of automobiles.”
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHEN
