Sewanee, Tennessee: Geography and Climate Profile
Nestled on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Middle Tennessee, Sewanee is a community defined by its high elevation and academic atmosphere. Situated at an elevation of 1,929 feet (588 m), the area offers a distinct geographic setting that influences both its local infrastructure and its weather patterns.
Key Facts
- Location: Western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Middle Tennessee.
- Coordinates: 35°12′4″N 85°55′17″W.
- Elevation: 1,929 feet (588 m).
- Climate Type: Humid Subtropical (Cfa).
- Total Area: 3.9 square miles, with 0.49% consisting of water.
- Primary Landmark: The University of the South campus.
Geography and Infrastructure
The physical layout of Sewanee is heavily influenced by its position on the plateau. The community spans a total area of 3.9 square miles (10 km), nearly all of which is land, with only 0.02 square miles (0.052 km) of water.
Transportation in the area centers on a merged section of U.S. Route 41A and Tennessee State Route 56. This combined highway connects Sewanee to Monteagle to the east. As the roads move west, they diverge: US 41A descends the plateau toward Cowan and Winchester, while SR 56 heads south toward Sherwood and Alabama.
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The northern portion of the community is dominated by the campus of the University of the South. Surrounding the university are several small residential neighborhoods. The local commercial activity is primarily concentrated at the intersection of US 41A and University Avenue, the latter serving as the main artery connecting the highway to the university grounds.
Climate Analysis
Sewanee experiences a Humid Subtropical Climate, designated as "Cfa" under the Köppen Climate Classification system. This climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and precipitation that is distributed evenly throughout the year.
Annual precipitation averages 64.04 inches (1,627 mm), with rainfall occurring over an average of 128.6 days per year. Temperature extremes are significant, with record highs reaching 103°F (39°C) and record lows dropping to -11°F (-24°C).
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| Metric | Winter (Jan) | Spring (Apr) | Summer (Jul) | Autumn (Oct) | Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Maximum Temp (°F/°C) | 63.8 (17.7) | 80.3 (26.8) | 90.3 (32.4) | 80.9 (27.2) | 92.6 (33.7) |
| Daily Mean Temp (°F/°C) | 37.2 (2.9) | 57.6 (14.2) | 75.1 (23.9) | 59.0 (15.0) | 57.4 (14.1) |
| Mean Minimum Temp (°F/°C) | 29.0 (-1.7) | 47.8 (8.8) | 66.2 (19.0) | 49.6 (9.8) | 48.5 (9.2) |
| Avg Precipitation (inches/mm) | 5.50 (140) | 6.41 (163) | 5.59 (142) | 4.21 (107) | 64.04 (1,627) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the elevation of Sewanee, Tennessee?
Sewanee is located at an elevation of 1,929 feet (588 m) on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau.
How is the climate in Sewanee classified?
The climate is classified as "Cfa," which refers to a Humid Subtropical Climate, featuring high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation year-round.
What are the main roads serving the Sewanee area?
The primary roads are U.S. Route 41A and Tennessee State Route 56, which merge through the community before diverging to lead toward Cowan, Winchester, Sherwood, and Alabama.
How much of Sewanee's land area is water?
Water makes up a very small portion of the area, accounting for only 0.02 square miles (0.052 km), or approximately 0.49% of the total 3.9 square miles.
What is the highest recorded temperature in Sewanee?
The record high temperature for Sewanee is 103°F (39°C).