The National Weather Service issued a Freeze Warning early this morning that's sending shivers across the Mid-South. If you've been enjoying the balmy weather lately, don't pack away that winter coat just yet. Those temperatures dipped below freezing last night and aren't expected to crawl back up until after 9 AM.
Parts of east Arkansas, north Mississippi, the Missouri Bootheel, and West Tennessee are feeling the chill, with readings as low as 25 degrees. With the National Weather Service's latest dispatch, as they were forecasting a "mostly sunny" day with a high of nearly 60 degrees, the cold snap could mean bad news for early bloomers and the agricultural set.
It's not just the daffodils that are taking a hit. "Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," warned the National Weather Service. So, those of you with a green thumb better hustle to protect your plants. These conditions could leave unprotected pipes at risk too.
Looking ahead, Knoxville's freezing mornings are going to thaw out, with the National Weather Service forecasting daytime climbing to 72 by Wednesday. However, skies are going to turn grey by Wednesday night, with clouds rolling in and temps taking a slight dip to the 40s. And those of you itching for spring showers, fear not – they're on the horizon.
By the time we hit Thursday, there's a 30 percent chance of rain, increasing to 40 percent for Thursday night. But don't let a little drizzle get you down. Sunshine is set to make a modest comeback with a high near 61 by Saturday, promising a weekend that won't be all doom and gloom. Just remember, with the weather this unpredictable, always keep an umbrella close by and those winter layers within reach.
