Nashville sits on the Cumberland River, which rose to catastrophic levels during the May 2010 flood, when an extraordinary two-day rainfall total, among the heaviest ever recorded for the region, overwhelmed the river and its tributaries and caused billions of dollars in damage across the city, a defining event in the region’s modern history. Under normal conditions the city receives around 1,270 mm (about 50 inches) of rain a year, spread fairly evenly across the seasons with a spring peak in severe thunderstorm activity. Because that 2010 event demonstrated how quickly conditions can escalate far beyond any seasonal average, radar tracking of approaching heavy rain is now treated as a critical tool by both residents and the city’s emergency management. NWS Doppler radar KOHX (Nashville) covers the region.
Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Nashville right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Nashville, Tennessee in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Nashville, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Nashville rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Nashville?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Tennessee are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Nashville or pass by.
Is this Nashville rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.