Wind picks up in Middle Tennessee as much colder air moves in

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Hang on to your hat! Strong wind gusts will kick up this week as a cold front moves into Middle Tennessee.

After a pleasant and mild start to the week, winds will gradually start to increase by Wednesday evening. A front will usher in cooler temperatures, with gusty northwest winds making it feel much colder by Thursday. In fact, it will be our first significant wind chill of the fall season.

Winds increase Thursday

Winds will remain relatively light through much of Tuesday and Wednesday before picking up behind the cold front.

Scattered showers and a few storms are possible Wednesday evening into early Wednesday night. The storms will be scattered in nature, so not everyone will get a shower, but some isolated storms could be on the strong to severe side with strong winds. The severe threat is very low.

The bigger wind shift arrives Thursday.

Northwest winds are expected to increase to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25-30 mph at times across parts of Middle Tennessee. Some locations-- particularly farther south and east-- could experience even breezier conditions.

Those winds will make an already chilly forecast feel even colder, especially during the morning and evening hours.

Temperatures tumble, and wind chills follow

In addition to the gusty winds, the even bigger story will be the dramatic drop in temperatures.

Highs on Tuesday and Wednesday will reach the upper 60s and lower 70s. But by Thursday, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 50s. However, with the wind factored in, it will create a wind chill effect, making it feel like the 40s in most spots.

Friday will be even worse. Afternoon highs will only top out in the 40s across the Midstate. With northwest winds continuing, it will feel colder than the actual air temperature.

First widespread freeze of the season

The colder air will stick around through the weekend and we will especially feel it in the early mornings.

A widespread hard freeze is expected, making it the first one of the season. Overnight low temperatures will drop into the 20s for many locations Friday night and Saturday night. We have not felt temperatures that cold since February.

Be sure to take any cold weather precautions before this weekend, like bringing any sensitive potted plants inside and disconnecting and draining your garden hose.