Gusty Sunday Kicks Off Warm Week in Nashville

Elevated fire risk and potential for heavy rain later in the week

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:29pm

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Nashville is waking up to a cool but sunny start on Sunday, with temperatures expected to climb into the low 70s by midafternoon. However, strong southerly winds gusting up to 25 mph will create an elevated fire risk, prompting officials to discourage any open burning. The warm and dry pattern is set to continue through Tuesday, with highs reaching the upper 70s and low 80s. By midweek, the weather turns more active, with showers and thunderstorms likely bringing the potential for heavy downpours and localized flooding.

Why it matters

Nashville's combination of warm, dry, and windy conditions on Sunday raises concerns about the increased risk of wildfires or the rapid spread of any small outdoor fires. The city's open burning restrictions are in place to help prevent such incidents, and residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and avoid any planned debris burning. As the weather pattern shifts later in the week, the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding becomes the primary concern, potentially impacting outdoor activities and events.

The details

Sunday's sunny skies and southerly winds will push temperatures into the low 70s, with gusts up to 25 mph. These gusty conditions, combined with the dry air, elevate the fire weather risk, prompting officials to discourage any open burning. The warm and dry pattern is expected to continue through Tuesday, with highs reaching the upper 70s and low 80s. However, by midweek, the weather turns more active, with showers and thunderstorms likely bringing the potential for heavy downpours and localized flooding.

  • Sunday, March 29th: Sunny with highs near 73°F and gusts up to 25 mph.
  • Monday and Tuesday, March 30th-31st: Highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.
  • Wednesday, April 1st: Showers and thunderstorms likely, with the potential for heavy rain and flooding.

The players

National Weather Service Nashville

The local office of the National Weather Service, which issued the warning about the elevated fire risk and discouraged open burning in the Nashville area.

Metro Nashville

The local government of Nashville, which has existing restrictions on open debris burning in the city.

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What they’re saying

“'very dry conditions and gusty winds' will elevate fire-weather concerns and that 'open burning is discouraged'”

— National Weather Service Nashville

What’s next

Residents should continue to monitor the National Weather Service and Metro Nashville websites for the latest updates on the weather conditions and any changes to open burning restrictions.

The takeaway

This weather pattern highlights the importance of fire prevention and preparedness, as well as the need to be vigilant about potential flooding risks later in the week. By following local guidelines and securing loose outdoor items, Nashville residents can help mitigate the impacts of the gusty, dry conditions on Sunday and the potential for heavy rainfall later in the week.