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Record Heat Grips Middle Tennessee Through the Weekend, Relief on the Way Next Week

Issue #820

September 18, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 97, low of 70

🥵 Record Heat Grips Middle Tennessee Through the Weekend, Relief on the Way Next Week

🎃 9/19: Opening Day of Pumpkin Patch at Hidden Bee Animal Rescue

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Record Heat Grips Middle Tennessee Through the Weekend, Relief on the Way Next Week

Middle Tennessee remains locked in one of the most intense heat waves the region has seen in years. Ryan Hall has called the heat dome sitting over Tennessee right now one of the strongest anywhere in the world. According to Hall, the middle of the atmosphere over the state is sitting at roughly 19,665 feet, higher than the typical level over the Sahara Desert, around 19,491 feet. A taller heat dome generally means hotter conditions at ground level.

The records are showing it. Chattanooga has now recorded 43 straight days above 90 degrees, breaking the previous record of 38 days set in 1993. Nashville hit 99 degrees on Sept. 16, a new record high for that date.

Here at home, dangerous heat is expected to continue through the rest of the weekend. Afternoon highs will climb into the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, with heat index values reaching triple digits. A Heat Advisory remains in effect for most of Middle Tennessee through 7 p.m. Sunday.

The heat sticks around into Monday, with highs still in the mid to upper 90s. Better chances for showers and thunderstorms move in Tuesday into Wednesday as a cold front approaches, which should finally bring temperatures down. Highs are expected to fall into the lower 90s Tuesday and upper 80s Wednesday, with lower 80s possible by Thursday and another chance of rain in the forecast for next Friday (9-25 “Dolly Day”).

A heat advisory covers most of the state. Anyone spending time outdoors this weekend should stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or AC when possible!

9/19: Opening Day of Pumpkin Patch at Hidden Bee Animal Rescue

Join us for the kickoff of our Annual Pumpkin Patch—filled with food trucks, pumpkins, adorable animals, games, hay rides, and all the cozy fall fun you can handle.

September 19th – November 1st
Friday & Saturday: 9am–6pm
Sunday: 10am–5pm

753 Carters Creek Pike

With the extreme heat expected, the safety and well-being of our animals and guests will always come first. Some animals may be kept in their cool, shaded areas, and certain activities may be unavailable if conditions become unsafe.

That said, we’re excited to welcome you to the farm! Come enjoy the Pumpkin Patch, make some fall memories, and support our local food trucks while you’re here! 

Thank you for your understanding as we make safety a priority. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, September 18th

Saturday, September 19th

Sunday, September 20th

Monday, September 21st

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, September 18
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Michael Forkuo - Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Tom Saffell - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Blue Ashes - Southern Bayou Kitchen, 7 PM
Don’t Tell Mom - The Bourbon Gospel (back patio), 7-10 PM
Jami Grooms - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Lorrie Morgan - The Mulehouse, 8 PM

Saturday, September 19
Troy Castellano - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Carson Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 3-7 PM
Jane Rose & The Deadends - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:30 PM
Sins Country - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Everamarillo - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Pretty Grimm - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, September 20
Jim Fox Trio - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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