Winter 2009-2010

[Nashville_wx]

In a few weeks we should have a contest and guess the snowfall for the winter at BNA.

I agree lets get something together.

[Sbeagles]

I don't want to get off topic and it very well could of just been my imagination but this afternoon driving across the Tn river bridge I saw several trees with their leaves already changing colors. I cant remember when the leaves normally begin to change colors around here but I think its usually at least a few weeks later than this. I was thinking mid september but could be wrong this just seems early.

[tennessee storm09]

along with the possible increased winter threat, with a developing moderate nino look for more possible severe weather also, espicially during the warmer spells of winter.

[Thundersnow]

I don't want to get off topic and it very well could of just been my imagination but this afternoon driving across the Tn river bridge I saw several trees with their leaves already changing colors. I cant remember when the leaves normally begin to change colors around here but I think its usually at least a few weeks later than this. I was thinking mid september but could be wrong this just seems early.

Some trees do start to change and lose their leaves earlier than most of the rest.  And, I've seen it happen as early as August before.  The trees in my back yard tend to start dropping their leaves this early, and they've already started.  In fact, sometimes, I've had to mow/rake/blow fallen leaves from those trees as early as September.  But, the majority of the leaves will drop along with the rest in October.

There's a maple up the street from me that tends to start changing early.  And, it already has some color now.

The trees are just responding to the shortening days.  The big foliage change usually comes in earnest by about mid October around here.  I think peak is usually around Oct 20-25, depending on the weather.  An early cool snap (especially if we get a few 40 degree nights or colder) could accelerate that process.

[Clay]

Really? That's interesting. I figured that the color was just a sign of stress on the trees.

[Thundersnow]

Really? That's interesting. I figured that the color was just a sign of stress on the trees.

That's what I've thought before, especially during hot, dry weather in August.  But, this year hasn't been like that.  We've had plenty of rain, and it's been relatively cool.

[Nashville_wx]

I also have been thinking the same thing. We have some trees here that are all starting to drop their leaves with a good deal of leaves around the parking area. The countdown begins.

[StormNine]

What about a first freeze contest to.  Since that is closer that may be a tad bit easier to predict for. 

[Nashville_wx]

Its hard to tell when the first freeze is going to be. First thing that we watch is what?? Areas to our north.

[Nashville_wx]

A little info for everyone.

Most snowfall, 24 hours: 17.0", March 17, 1892
Most snowfall, Christmas Day: 2.7", 1969
Most snowfall, 1 month: 21.5", March, 1892
Most snowfall, 1 season: 38.5", 1959-60
Least snowfall, 1 season: Trace, (1949-50 & 1907-08)
Earliest measureable snowfall: 1.0 inch, October 30, 1925
Earliest snowfall, 4" or more: 7.2", November 2, 1966
Latest measureable snowfall: 1.5", April 25, 1910
Latest snowfall, 4" or more: 4.5", March 24, 1940

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Average first autumn freeze: October 28
Earliest autumn freeze: October 2, 1984
Latest first autumn freeze: November 27, 1902
Average last spring freeze: April 6
Earliest last spring freeze: March 5, 1927
Latest spring freeze: April 25, 1910
Last Cumberland River freeze (4 events): January 25-29, 1940

[Coach B]

Average first autumn freeze: October 28

Good info.  However, FWIW the UHI effect has greatly impacted the first average freeze date.  I was researching fall garden info from the UT extension service and noticed the average first freeze date for a large portion of middle Tennessee is two to three weeks earlier than Nashville.

[Clay]

And to put in perspective how much larger our UHI is becoming, BNA isn't even in the core of the heat island. Remember Nashville Intl is about 5 miles southeast of downtown. This morning downtown went to about 65 degrees whereas the airport went to 63. Less urbanized parts of Nashville like Bellevue, Oak Hill, Joelton were in the neighborhood of 61/62 degrees.

[dwagner88]

I don't want to get off topic and it very well could of just been my imagination but this afternoon driving across the Tn river bridge I saw several trees with their leaves already changing colors. I cant remember when the leaves normally begin to change colors around here but I think its usually at least a few weeks later than this. I was thinking mid september but could be wrong this just seems early.

Just in the past few days I have seen an increase in the amount of brown leaves fallen in my backyard. Not sure if it is tree stress or day length that has done it though. We have had plenty of rain this july/august but June was extremely dry.

[snowdog]

My Walnut trees are already changing color and dropping leaves. 

[Thundersnow]

I've noticed before that walnut trees do tend to lose their leaves earlier than most.