NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Heat continues in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky through at least Friday. Feels like temperatures will peak between 105° – 115°, and air temperatures could reach around 100°!

Heat alerts

A Heat Advisory is in effect for Middle Tennessee until Friday at 8 PM. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect in Southern Kentucky until 10 PM on Friday.

Cause of intense heat

The anticipated heat will be fueled by the ridge of high pressure moving to the Midwest states and into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. This ridge has been over the Southern Plains for the last several weeks, and now moving north/northeast will increase our temperatures and intense heat. Note how the ridge started to settle in, but gets closer to our area through Thursday. On Friday, the heat will retreat to the southwest. This will open the door for a cold front and low rain chances on Saturday.

The heat high prevents the air to rise (to produce storms). Instead, the air is sinking, allowing temperatures to heat up immensely.

A closer look at the heat!

Thursday & Friday

We are forecasting our first 100-degree days of the year in Nashville. The last time Nashville hit at least 100° was September 21, 2022. As the core of the heat high grips our region, the feels like temperature soars to almost 110° in the afternoon hours.

We could get close to record highs Thursday and Friday.

Preparations for the heat

We want to remind you how important it is to limit time outdoors in this extreme heat. Yes, we usually get another run at hot temperatures in late August, but of this magnitude it is rare. Be sure to drink plenty of water, watch for heat exhaustion, and check on those around you. Also, air quality will likely be poor in the heat of the day because the air is stagnant.