TENNESSEE — Although March marks the beginning of the transition from winter to spring, historical weather records show that significant snowstorms can still occur in Tennessee during the month.
While less common than in northern states, past weather events demonstrate that under the right conditions, a single storm can produce snowfall totals approaching or even exceeding one foot in parts of the state.
March weather across Tennessee can be highly variable, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures often begin to warm as the month progresses, but cold air masses from Canada can still move south into the region. When those colder air masses combine with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and a developing low pressure system, conditions can occasionally support heavy snowfall.
Historical records show that Tennessee has experienced notable March snowstorms in the past. One of the most significant events occurred during the Blizzard of 1993, often referred to as the “Storm of the Century,” which impacted much of the eastern United States in mid March. Many parts of Tennessee saw heavy snowfall during that storm, with some areas of East Tennessee receiving more than a foot of snow.
Late season storms have also produced significant snowfall totals in other years. Strong low pressure systems tracking through the Gulf Coast states or along the Atlantic coast can pull moisture northward while cold air remains in place across Tennessee. When this setup occurs, snow can develop and accumulate rapidly, especially in higher elevations and areas closer to the Appalachian Mountains.
Climatological data shows that the greatest potential for heavier March snowfall in Tennessee typically occurs in the eastern portion of the state, particularly in higher elevations. These areas tend to remain colder longer into the season, increasing the likelihood that precipitation will fall as snow rather than rain.
Meteorologists also note that March storms can sometimes produce heavier snowfall rates because the atmosphere often contains more moisture late in the winter season. This increased moisture can allow storms to produce large snow totals even when temperatures are near freezing.
While most March precipitation in Tennessee falls as rain or a mix of rain and snow, historical weather data shows that the right combination of cold air, moisture, and storm track can still produce significant snowfall across parts of the state, including the possibility of a foot of snow from a single storm.
