Thank You, El Niño
Pull up a chair and sit awhile
November 12, 2026
Dear Friend:
The temperatures here in Nashville have been pretty mild, and I understand we have El Niño to thank for that—or at least, it is one of the influences on our seasonal weather pattern. Well, the temperatures are about to take a drastic swing the other way. We are expecting overnight lows on Saturday in the upper 20s, which is pretty cold for this time of year in Nashville.
Other parts of the country are expected to be across the spectrum.
When I lived in Pennsylvania and the temperatures were in the 70s, it was considered to be balmy. But here in the South, temperatures in the 70s feel much different. I did not fully understand this phenomenon when I first moved to Nashville almost 16 years ago. But now I understand completely. I was told by some longtime Southerners that your skin thins when you move south, allowing you to better tolerate the heat. I don't know whether there's any truth to that explanation, but I do know that 70 degrees in Pennsylvania and 70 degrees in Tennessee can feel like two entirely different things!
I have also observed the unusual weather in the upper Midwest throughout this year. The weather has not followed the usual pattern there either. I am sure the residents there have their own thoughts about this year's weather.
Then there is the effect that weather can have on our moods. Short, gloomy days seem to make us feel gloomy. Then on the other side of the spectrum, those warm, sunny days seem to make us feel, well, sunny. We sometimes feel sluggish in the colder weather and peppy in the warmer weather. Even the animals seem to behave differently.
In spite of the weather, work still has to get done. So we plow through, and that makes the end of our shifts all the better. We cannot wait to finish up for the day, whether it is leaving work away from home or, for homemakers, putting away the dishes after the evening meal.
Then families get to sit down and relax with each other. They catch up on the latest happenings in their lives and make plans for the weekend, whether those plans involve a bit of rest and relaxation or finishing a project.
No matter what the weather, nothing beats relaxing and spending time with family.
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.