RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS) — Rutherford County residents are being urged to stay weather-aware through Thursday morning as strong storms sweep across Middle Tennessee ahead of an incoming weekend heat wave.

According to forecasters, multiple rounds of thunderstorms—some of which may be severe—are expected to move through the region between Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Middle Tennessee, including Rutherford County, under a Level 1 of 5 (Marginal Risk) for severe weather during this time.

While the most intense storms are expected to hit northwest Tennessee and southern Kentucky, Rutherford County could still experience heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and the possibility of hail. Although the tornado risk is low, it cannot be completely ruled out in isolated areas.

Temperatures are expected to climb to near 90 degrees. The combination of heat and instability could help fuel storm development this afternoon, with a first wave of storms expected in the evening hours.

A second round of potentially strong storms is forecast to arrive in the early hours of Thursday morning. These storms could bring more heavy rainfall and damaging winds. The greatest risks will taper off by around 11 a.m., though scattered thunderstorms may re-develop Thursday afternoon as a cold front pushes through the area.

Local emergency officials recommend residents monitor weather alerts and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued, especially overnight when people are more vulnerable during sleeping hours.

Once storms clear out, Rutherford County will shift focus to a dangerous heat this weekend, with temperatures expected to climb well into the 90s and heat index values potentially reaching triple digits.

Remain weather aware and spread the word to friends and family who may not keep up with the weather like you do. Also, be sure to suggest they like and subscribe to Rutherford Weather on Facebook, YouTube, X and Twitch for updates and to see live weather coverage of severe weather. It will also be on WGNS Radio (FM 101.9, FM 100.5 & AM 1450) and WGNSRadio.com.