Though many Tennessee residents are wishing for fall weather to arrive soon, they will have to wait at least another month for temperatures to cool enough to be considered "fall appropriate."
As Tennessee and the rest of the world move into September, temperatures still resemble the dog days of summer, with heat indices continually reaching into the 100s, according to the National Weather Service. As the heat across Tennessee continues, interest is growing in when Tennessee will finally cool off after a significantly hot summer.
Here's when to expect temperatures to cool off across Tennessee.
When is the first day of fall?
When fall begins depends on whether you ask a meteorologist or an astronomer.
For meteorologists, fall begins earlier than the autumnal equinox. The meteorological
fall season starts Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, aligning with the calendar months used to track seasonal weather patterns.
Shop your summer heat survival kit
The astronomical season is based on the Earth's position relative to the sun, so fall begins on the autumnal equinox, which takes place on Sept. 22, 2026.
High heat lingering in Tennessee
Unfortunately, most of the state is still experiencing temperatures at or around 100, even as we begin to move toward the fall season. Both Memphis and Nashville are expected to see temperatures near 100 for the first week of September, and heat indices will be even higher, with some nearing 110.
When will it cool down in Tennessee?
Technically, Tennessee has already begun its descent into cooler weather, as the state hits its peak maximum temperatures in July.
The maximum temperature in Tennessee will hit 70 sometime in October, depending on where you are in the state.
Knoxville is the first city to have its maximum temperature cool to 70, which happens in mid-October. Memphis and Nashville both see a daily maximum temperature of 70 around the end of October, up to two weeks later than Knoxville.
Average temperature in Tennessee in the fall
To accurately reflect fall temperatures across Tennessee, only measurements from Sept. 22 to Dec. 21 will be included. During this period, the average maximum temperature will drop by over 30 degrees in preparation for the coldest time of the year.
Knoxville
- Sept. 21 to 30 has an average maximum temperature of 77.6 degrees and a minimum temperature of 52.9 degrees.
- October has an average maximum temperature of 70.3 degrees and a minimum temperature of 44.4 degrees.
- November has an average maximum temperature of 58.8 degrees and a minimum temperature of 34.2 degrees.
- Dec. 1 to 21 has an average maximum temperature of 50.5 degrees and a minimum temperature of 22.0 degrees.
Memphis
- Sept. 21 to 30 has an average maximum temperature of 83 degrees and a minimum temperature of 62.2 degrees.
- October has an average maximum temperature of 75.1 degrees and a minimum temperature of 54.0 degrees.
- November has an average maximum temperature of 62.9 degrees and a minimum temperature of 42.9 degrees.
- Dec. 1 to 21 has an average maximum temperature of 54.4 degrees and a minimum temperature of 37.0 degrees.
Nashville
- Sept. 21 to 30 has an average maximum temperature of 81.3 degrees and a minimum temperature of 58.2 degrees.
- October has an average maximum temperature of 76.0 degrees and a minimum temperature of 51.7 degrees.
- November has an average maximum temperature of 59.3 degrees and a minimum temperature of 38.1 degrees.
- Dec. 1 to 21 has an average maximum temperature of 53.2 degrees and a minimum temperature of 32.4 degrees.
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal and Tennessee. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: When will it start cooling down in Tennessee? Heat to linger in September
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
