Residents in parts of Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southwest North Carolina are bracing for a chilly start as temperatures are expected to dip below freezing tonight. According to the National Weather Service Morristown TN, a Freeze Watch has been issued for eastern Polk County and southwest North Carolina, "where vegetation is more susceptible." Those with tender plants and early bloomers are being urged to take protective measures to shield their gardens from the impending frost.
The outlook for the rest of the week isn't much warmer, with the National Weather Service highlighting potential fire hazards due to very dry conditions expected tomorrow, and continuing concerns on Monday, "especially in the mountains." As if the freeze and fire risks weren't enough, forecasters are also warning of a possible mountain wave high wind event kicking off Monday night and powering through into Tuesday morning. This precedes an impending front that promises to bring rain and perhaps a thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service.
The current weather in Knoxville is a mix of clouds and mild temperatures, sitting at 53°F with calm winds. Rain could make a brief appearance, with a 30 percent chance of showers primarily before 9 a.m. If you're planning your week, expect the weather to improve slightly with sunny skies and a high near 65 tomorrow. Nonetheless, by Monday evening the rain is set to return, including a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, the Knoxville area should prepare for unsettled conditions, the National Weather Service Morristown TN reports indicate an "80% chance of precipitation" which is likely to include showers and a possible thunderstorm after 2 p.m. These conditions are set to persist through the night, winding down the following Wednesday with just a "30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 2 p.m." giving way to partly sunny skies and a modest high near 65 degrees. The subsequent days continue the pattern of slight uncertainties, with only minor chances of showers sprinkled across predictions for the back half of the week.
