NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The start of 2025 has brought unusually cold and snowy conditions to Middle Tennessee, with temperatures well below normal for much of January. In Nashville, 11 out of the first 13 days of the year have experienced colder-than-usual temperatures, and a recent snowstorm dropped around 4 inches across the region. This weather has caused multiple school closures, and with more extreme cold on the way, additional cancellations remain a possibility.
Local weather forecasts predict dangerously low temperatures for the upcoming days, with morning lows expected to reach the single digits and afternoon highs struggling to stay above freezing early next week. Wind chills are expected to make it feel even colder, raising concerns about potential risks to public health and safety.
Bart Barker, Public Information Officer for Wilson County Schools, shared that although the district is closely monitoring the forecast, school closures due to cold weather alone are rare. “I’ve been here for five years, and I don’t recall a closure due to the cold,” said Barker. “We’ve had closures due to winter weather, severe weather, high winds, and other factors, but since 2019, I can’t recall a cold-related closure.”
Wilson County Schools, which is already closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, will continue to assess the forecast for the following day, Tuesday, January 21. Depending on the severity of the cold, there is a chance that school may remain closed for the second consecutive day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that temperatures may dip so low that cold weather alerts could be issued. NWS meteorologist Ryan Husted explained the criteria for such alerts, noting that a Cold Weather Advisory is issued when temperatures or wind chills drop to 5°F or lower. If temperatures or wind chills fall to below -5°F, an Extreme Cold Warning will be issued. These alerts are meant to help the public prepare for dangerously cold conditions that could pose a risk to health and safety.
The NWS consolidated and renamed cold weather alerts in 2024 to simplify messaging and ensure clarity in extreme weather events. With these potentially hazardous conditions expected to persist, residents and school officials are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect against the cold.
As the situation develops, local authorities will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates on any further school closures or adjustments to public services.
