Right now, if you step outside in Dickson, it is exactly 31°F. It feels more like 23°F. That's the thing about Middle Tennessee—the numbers on the thermometer rarely tell the whole story.
Honestly, we’ve all been there. You check the weather forecast Dickson TN, see a "sunny" icon, and assume it’s a good day for a light jacket. Then the wind hits you. Today, we’ve got a southwest wind moving at about 8 mph, which doesn't sound like much until you're standing in line at the grocery store or walking through Clement Park.
Today’s Ground Reality
It’s sunny. The sky is clear. But it’s cold.
The humidity is sitting at 36%, which is actually quite low for us. Usually, our air is "heavy," but today it’s that crisp, biting dry cold that makes your knuckles crack. There is basically a 0% chance of precipitation for the rest of the afternoon.
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If you’re planning to be out tonight, heads up: it’s going to get much colder. We are looking at a low of 18°F. The wind is expected to shift slightly, coming from the west at 9 mph. While the UV index is a low 2 today, don't let the bright sun fool you into thinking it's warming up. It isn't.
The January Pattern Nobody Talks About
People move to the Nashville area thinking the South is always warm.
That’s a myth.
Dickson actually sits at a slightly higher elevation than Nashville—about 797 feet above sea level. This small difference often means we’re a couple of degrees cooler than our neighbors to the east. In January, our average high is usually around 47°F, but today we’re struggling to even hit the freezing mark.
Historically, this is the month where things get weird. We’ve seen everything from 70-degree "false springs" to ice storms that shut down Highway 46 for days. Today is just a standard, deep-winter chill.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re a local or just passing through, here is how to handle the next 24 hours.
Check your pipes. With a low of 18°F tonight, it’s not just a "maybe." Open those cabinet doors under the sink. Let a tiny drip go in the faucets furthest from your water main. It feels dramatic until you’re dealing with a flooded basement.
Dress for the "Feels Like." Ignore the 31°F. Dress for the 23°F. You’ve got to have a wind-resistant outer layer today. The southwest wind is persistent, and it will cut right through a wool sweater.
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Watch the pets.
If your dog usually stays outside, bring them in tonight. 18°F is dangerous for most breeds, and the ground is already holding onto that frost.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Monday looks like a carbon copy of today. Highs in the lower 30s, sunny, and northwest winds. We might see some clouds rolling in by Wednesday with a slight chance of sprinkles or even a stray snow shower, but for now, it’s just a dry, sun-drenched freezer out there.
Stay warm, keep the coffee pot on, and keep an eye on the wind speed. That’s the real secret to surviving a Dickson winter.