Sun Returns to Nashville, but the Deep Freeze Remains

The Morning Deep Freeze

Nashville residents are waking up to a bone-chilling Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the city remains under an Extreme Cold Warning issued by the National Weather Service. Following the weekend’s intense winter storm, temperatures early this morning have plummeted to a low of 2°F. The most significant danger remains the wind chill, which has been recorded as low as -11°F in some parts of Middle Tennessee. This life-threatening cold is particularly concerning for the estimated 150,000 households in the Nashville area still without power due to downed lines and ice damage.

A Sunny Afternoon Thaw

While the morning is dangerously cold, the afternoon offers a slight reprieve. The sun is expected to shine throughout the day, helping to push temperatures toward a high of 35°F. This marks the first time many areas will reach above the freezing mark since the storm began. Winds will remain relatively calm, shifting to the southwest at about 5 mph. Despite the sunshine and the modest temperature rise, the ground remains covered in ice and snow from the previous days' storm, and residents are advised that melting will be slow and may lead to refreezing on roads as the sun sets.

Evening Outlook and Freezing Fog

As we head into Tuesday evening, the sky will become mostly cloudy. Temperatures are forecast to drop to a low of approximately 16°F. The National Weather Service warns of patchy fog and freezing fog developing after midnight and into the early hours of Wednesday morning. This freezing fog could create an additional layer of "black ice" on secondary roads and overpasses, making the Wednesday morning commute potentially hazardous even if main thoroughfares appear clear.

Weather Alerts and Safety Notices

Current active alerts for the Nashville area include:

• Extreme Cold Warning: In effect until 12:00 PM CST today. Dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
• Power Outage Recovery: Metro Nashville officials have activated the Severe Weather Response plan. Warming centers remain open at several locations across the city for those without heat.
• Travel Caution: While precipitation is at 0% for the daytime hours, motorists should watch for slick spots caused by ongoing ice accumulation and evening fog.

Officials urge residents to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those without power, and to ensure that pets are kept indoors during these extreme temperature fluctuations.