Brace for an increase in severe weather across Middle Tennessee this spring

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Be prepared for more severe weather this spring across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky

This year Middle Tennessee’s spring weather (March, April and May) will be influenced by a La Nina weather pattern. A La Nina occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are cooler than normal, and that can have an impact on our weather here in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

The early outlook for March, April and May calls for warmer than average temperatures and above average precipitation. To put it another way, it’s looking like a more active weather pattern through the spring.

So, what does this mean for our severe weather chances this spring?

During a La Nina pattern we normally see a busier severe weather season here in the Midstate. The jet stream will track more low pressure systems to our north and put much of the Southeastern US is a prime zone for more frequent severe weather events.

Does this mean more widespread tornado outbreaks?

The short answer is no, a busier severe weather season does not guarantee a higher probability, or frequency, of tornadoes in the southeast. But what it does mean is that we’ll need to make sure we are weather ready throughout the spring and be sure to stick with us here on WSMV 4 for those First Alert Weather Days to alert us of any incoming severe weather.