The National Weather Service in Morristown issued a Frost Advisory late Saturday night for parts of east Tennessee, warning residents of potential harm to sensitive outdoor plants due to temperatures dipping as low as 33 degrees. The advisory remains in effect until 9 AM EDT Sunday, with frost expected to form in the early morning hours.
Following the chilly start, the weather is set to take a sunnier turn with a high near 72 during the day and light east winds coming in the afternoon; however, there's a slight chance of rain post-midnight which should not bother most folks but gardeners, take note, cover up your fragile greens before you hit the hay. According to forecasts, the rest of the week will be a rollercoaster of showers and potential thunderstorms, as a strong weather system is pegged to hit the region on Thursday, bringing strong southeast winds, particularly to the higher grounds in the East Tennessee mountains.
Monday could kick off with a 30 percent chance of morning showers, leading into a partly sunny afternoon with gusts up to 20 mph, while Tuesday is expected to see heavier rain predominantly between mid-morning and afternoon. The wet conditions are predicted to persist throughout the week, cumulating in an 80 percent chance of showers and possible thunderstorms both Wednesday night and Thursday.
"Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered," warns the NWS, highlighting the importance of protective measures for vegetation during these early April frosts, Tuesday through Thursday however, will warrant a switch from plant protection to possibly breaking out the rain boots and umbrellas with the likelihood of showers increasing significantly peaking on Thursday when showers and possibly a thunderstorm are expected to create a breezy and wet climate for the region. The week is set to close with a decrease in showers by Friday, leading into a sunny and clearer weekend with highs bouncing back around 75 degrees.
