Forecast: Snow late Monday, then bitter cold

A strong cold front will move through Middle Tennessee Monday night, according to the National Weather Service, ushering in a much colder air mass behind its passage across the mid state region. Initial rain showers Monday evening will transition to a rain/snow shower mix late evening through early overnight hours, before transitioning to all snow showers as the overnight hours progress across mid state.

Initially, it looks like just over a half of an inch of snowfall accumulation is expected to occur across northwestern portions of the mid state region, one to two inches central portions, with two to three inches possible for locations approaching and across the Cumberland Plateau Region. This may result in hazardous travel conditions across the mid state. A winter weather advisory for portions of Middle Tennessee may be issued later today if forecasted snowfall amounts continue to be expected.

Behind this strong cold frontal passage, artic air will move into the mid state region. This will likely result in the coldest temperatures this winter season, especially for Tuesday and Wednesday Nights. Afternoon highs on Tuesday will be below freezing for the entire mid state. Afternoon highs on Wednesday will continue to be mainly below freezing. Lows Tuesday night will be in the teens with wind chills in some locations in the single digits. Lows Wednesday night will be in the single digits to lower teens for locations near the Tennessee, Alabama border.

Wind chill values Wednesday night will be in the single digits, and for some locations around and east of I-65, wind chills will be around zero, or even a few degrees below zero, especially across the Cumberland Plateau Region. The duration of these cold temperatures may pose hazards to exposed plumbing, elderly, homeless, pets, and those working outdoors.