Tennessee Weather Radar
Tennessee Live Weather
Tennessee Live Weather Radar
Tennessee Hourly Weather Forecast
Tennessee 7-Day Weather Forecast
Tennessee Weather Overview
Tennessee weather radar provides essential Doppler tracking for a state in Dixie Alley where tornadoes strike with less warning than in traditional Tornado Alley and often at night. The Tennessee weather radar network monitors storms via Doppler technology across three distinct regions — from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River valley in the west. Tennessee averages 45-52 inches of rainfall annually, and Doppler weather radar helps residents see exactly when severe systems will arrive.
Tornadoes are Tennessee's deadliest threat, with two seasons — spring (March-May) and fall (November). Tennessee weather radar tracked the April 27, 2011 Super Outbreak as 39 tornadoes hit the state, killing 45 people. The 1998 Nashville tornado struck downtown on April 16, causing over $100 million in damages. Flash flooding is a constant danger — the catastrophic May 2010 floods dropped 13.5+ inches over Middle Tennessee in 48 hours, pushing the Cumberland River 12 feet above flood stage and causing $2 billion in damages. Tennessee Doppler radar monitors severe thunderstorms that produce damaging hail, straight-line winds, and dangerous lightning from spring through early fall.
Three NWS offices provide Doppler radar coverage: WFO MRX (Morristown) for East Tennessee, WFO OHX (Nashville) for Middle Tennessee, and WFO MEG (Memphis) for West Tennessee. Live Tennessee weather radar tracking helps commuters on I-40, I-65, and I-24 avoid flash flooding and tornado-warned storms. Winter weather varies by elevation — East Tennessee mountains see significant snow while the February 2021 storm brought −7°F to Memphis. Tennessee weather radar remains critical year-round where severe weather develops rapidly across varied terrain.
Tennessee Weather Risks & Safety
Tornado Risk
Tornadoes hit Tennessee hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Tennessee averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Tennessee regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Tennessee, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is Tennessee's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms hit Tennessee when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether Tennessee gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.
Extreme Heat Risk
Summers in Tennessee get dangerously hot — heat indices regularly push past 100°F, and heat waves can last for weeks. When the radar shows clear skies with no storm activity for days, that usually means the heat is building. Outdoor workers, elderly residents, and anyone without reliable AC are most at risk. Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors who might be struggling.
How to Use Tennessee Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions Across Tennessee
View real-time weather status at the top of the Tennessee radar page showing temperature, humidity, and wind across the state's three Grand Divisions. Toggle between Middle, East, and West Tennessee conditions.
Watch the Radar Map for Storm Movement
The radar map displays precipitation and cloud cover moving across Tennessee. Hit play on the animation to see which direction storms are tracking and how fast they're moving across the state's varied terrain.
Review Regional Forecasts
Scroll to hourly and 7-day forecasts for areas from Memphis to Knoxville. Look for tornado warnings in spring, flooding alerts during heavy rainfall periods, or winter storm advisories affecting Tennessee's elevated eastern regions near the Smoky Mountains.
Monitor Seasonal Weather Patterns
Tennessee experiences distinct tornado seasons in spring and fall. During these periods, check the radar more frequently as severe weather can develop rapidly across Middle and West Tennessee's flat terrain.
Who Benefits from Tennessee Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Tennessee commuters crossing I-40, I-65, and I-24 face diverse weather from Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville. Check the radar before long drives to see where tornadoes, flash floods, or ice storms are hitting your route.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hikers on the Appalachian Trail in East Tennessee, visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and runners along Nashville's Greenway system need advance warning. The radar shows incoming thunderstorms and severe weather 30-45 minutes before they reach your location on the trail.
Event Planners & Families
Planning outdoor events at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, or Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis? The 7-day forecast helps schedule around Tennessee's volatile spring weather. Day-of radar tracking shows exactly when storms will roll through your venue.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews across Tennessee's booming metro areas from Nashville to Chattanooga, and agriculture workers in West Tennessee's rural regions near the Mississippi floodplain need real-time alerts. Spot approaching tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and lightning before they reach your worksite.