Weather and climate in Tennessee: Humid subtropical climate. Hot summers, mild winters. Seasonal tornado risks. Spring and fall thunderstorms. Variable rainfall patterns. Snowfall rare, heavier in east. Sunniest months are June-August. Fall colors peak mid-October. High humidity year-round. Temperature variations by elevation.
Humid subtropical climate.
Tennessee predominantly falls within the Humid Subtropical Climate Zone, characterized by hot, humid summers with average high temperatures of 85°F to 90°F, mild winters with average low temperatures around 30°F, and abundant precipitation averaging 51 to 53 inches annually. There are significant geographic and regional variations influenced by the Gulf of Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains. For more detailed information, you can visit the Tribal Climate Camp website.
Hot summers, mild winters.
Tennessee's climate is characterized by hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching the high 90s, and mild winters, though occasional cold snaps can occur. The temperatures vary significantly across different regions of the state due to its diverse topography. For a more detailed exploration of the state's climate nuances, visit the Tennessee National Blog, which offers an insightful look into seasonal changes and regional differences.
Seasonal tornado risks.
Peak tornado season in Tennessee occurs in May and June, with a secondary peak in November, and the state is part of Dixie Alley, which has a high risk of tornadoes, especially at night and in areas with higher mobile home populations. Tornadoes are most common in the spring due to ideal atmospheric conditions, but can occur throughout the year, with April being the month that sees the most tornadoes. For more detailed information, you can visit the Tennessee Tornado Facts page on Ground Zero Shelters' website.
Spring and fall thunderstorms.
In Tennessee, spring and fall are marked by significant thunderstorm activity, with spring being the peak tornado season due to ideal atmospheric conditions, while fall sees fewer but still potentially severe storms, often associated with cold fronts and tropical system remnants. During these seasons, severe weather can include tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding, with the spring months being particularly active due to the frequent passage of large-scale storms. To learn more about the changing nature of storm activity as the seasons shift, visit the comprehensive analysis on Tennessee Valley Weather for additional insights.
Variable rainfall patterns.
Tennessee's rainfall patterns vary significantly due to its diverse topography, with average annual precipitation ranging from 40 to 55 inches across different regions. The state experiences a gradual decrease in precipitation from south to north, influenced by the Gulf of Mexico and topographic features like the Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountains, leading to varying rainfall amounts and frequencies throughout the year. For more detailed information, you can visit the Tennessee Climatology page.
Snowfall rare, heavier in east.
Snowfall in Tennessee is rare, averaging about 5 inches per year. The northern, mountainous regions receive more snow than the rest of the state, with snow being more frequent in these areas compared to the flatter and more exposed middle and western regions. For more detailed information about the weather patterns in Tennessee, you can visit the comprehensive guide provided by Felix Homes.
Sunniest months are June-August.
Tennessee experiences its sunniest months during June, July, and August, which are marked by extended daylight hours. These months offer abundant sunlight, with June providing 11 hours of sunshine, July delivering about 10.5 hours, and August offering up to 10 hours. This vibrant summer period makes it an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the state. You can learn more about the climate patterns and geographical features of Tennessee by visiting the World Travel Guide, an extensive resource that provides detailed information on the weather and unique attributes of the region.
Fall colors peak mid-October.
In Tennessee, the peak fall colors typically occur from mid-October to mid-November, with higher altitudes such as the Great Smoky Mountains reaching their vibrant hues earlier, around early to mid-October, while the lower elevations show their autumn brilliance in late October and early November. For more detailed information about the timing and location of the fall foliage, be sure to explore the extensive guide on the Tennessee Vacation website.
High humidity year-round.
Tennessee experiences high humidity year-round, with average daily humidity levels ranging from 67% in Memphis to 72% in Chattanooga and Knoxville. The highest humidity levels typically occur in the morning, with averages such as 86% in Chattanooga and 84% in Nashville, while the lowest levels are usually in the afternoon. For more detailed information on humidity levels across different cities, you can visit the Current Results website.
Temperature variations by elevation.
Temperature in Tennessee varies significantly with elevation, with a 3°F decline per 1,000 feet increase in elevation. The higher elevations, such as the Cumberland Plateau and the Smoky Mountains, have noticeably lower average temperatures compared to the lower-lying areas like the Great Valley of East Tennessee and West Tennessee. For more detailed insights into the climatic conditions and changes, you can explore the Tennessee State Climate Summary online.