The National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for parts of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. As reported earlier today by the NWS, there is a risk of frost and freezing temperatures tonight, particularly in areas with less cloud cover and lower winds. However, due to the potential for clouds and some breeziness, there's "considerable uncertainty about extent," according to the NWS statement.

The outlook, which continues through the next week, indicates that similar conditions may arise again on Saturday night. While no spotter activation is required at this time, the forecast has prompted a degree of caution among residents, especially in the agricultural community, looking to protect sensitive plants and crops from the cold.

In terms of the immediate forecast for Knoxville as detailed on the NWS website, locals can expect a mostly cloudy day with a high near 53 degrees and a northwest wind traveling at 5 to 10 mph. Moving into tonight, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy, with temperatures dipping as low as 36 degrees.

Heading into the weekend, Saturday should see a shift to sunnier skies with a pleasant high near 60 degrees. The nice weather looks to hold firm through Sunday, with an anticipated high of 72 degrees under sunny conditions. However, the upcoming forecast also suggests a turn towards wetter weather starting Sunday night, with a 40 percent chance of showers and the pattern continuing well into the following week. Rain and possible thunderstorms are expected to increase in likelihood by Tuesday, as the NWS encourages residents to prepare for a string of potentially damp days ahead.

While the Hazardous Weather Outlook serves primarily as a precautionary message for those most susceptible to shifts in temperature and weather patterns, it also underscores the temperamental nature of early spring in the region. Full details on the expected conditions can be found on the NWS website.