If you’re stepping out onto Broadway today, don't let that peek of sun fool you. Honestly, Nashville weather is notorious for its mood swings, and today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is leaning hard into its "Music City Chill" era.
Right now, it’s 42°F. It feels like 34°F. That's thanks to a biting 13 mph wind coming straight out of the west.
The Real Deal on Today's Numbers
Most people see "high of 45°F" and think a light hoodie will cut it. Big mistake.
✨ Don't miss: Weather in Winnemucca NV: What Most People Get Wrong
The current weather forecast Nashville TN shows we’ve already hit that high of 45°F, and the temperature is starting its inevitable slide. By tonight, we’re looking at a low of 20°F. That is a massive 25-degree drop. If you’re heading out for a late-night show at the Ryman or hitting the honky-tonks, you’re going to need more than just "vibes" to stay warm.
The sky is currently cloudy, though we saw some "partly sunny" moments earlier. There’s a tiny 10% chance of some rain or flurries sticking around through the afternoon, but it’s mostly just a dry, gray cold.
🔗 Read more: JFK Airport Delays Today: Why Your Flight Is Actually Stuck
Why It Matters
Nashville in January is a weird beast. You’ve got a humidity level around 36% right now, which sounds low, but when that cold air hits your lungs, it feels much sharper than a dry desert cold.
- Current Temp: 42°F
- Wind: 13 mph (West)
- Tonight's Low: 20°F
- Precipitation: 10% chance of rain/snow
Basically, the "feels like" temp is the only number you should actually care about. If the wind stays at this 13 mph clip, that 20°F tonight is going to feel like the single digits.
📖 Related: Why Seneca Park Louisville KY Is Secretly Better Than Cherokee Park
Looking Ahead
If you're planning your week, don't get too comfortable. This cold is sticking around for a bit. We're seeing a trend where the Polar Vortex is starting to wobble, which usually means Nashville gets these sudden Arctic "punches" followed by weirdly warm rain.
Actually, word is we might see some more significant moisture by Wednesday. For today, though, the main hazard is just the rapid freeze once the sun goes down.
What to Actually Do
- Layer up now. If you're downtown, the wind tunnels between the buildings make that 13 mph wind feel like a gale.
- Check the pipes. If you're in an older rental in East Nashville, that 20°F low tonight is right in the "pipe-bursting" danger zone. Drip your faucets.
- Watch the bridges. Even with only a 10% chance of precipitation, any moisture on the bridges over the Cumberland will turn to black ice as we hit 20°F tonight.
It’s a classic Nashville winter day—kinda gray, definitely cold, and requiring a much heavier coat than you probably wanted to wear.
Actionable Insight: Grab a heavy parka and ensure your car's anti-freeze is topped off before the temperature craters tonight at sundown.