The latest weather update from the National Weather Service in Knoxville predicts a sunny high of 88 degrees today, but you'll want to keep that umbrella handy as the forecast takes a stormy turn starting Friday. According to the NWS, Knoxville's weather will shift from clear skies to a 60% chance of precipitation, with potential showers and thunderstorms in the mix. As calm winds from the south pick up through the afternoon, the stage is set for an unsettled end to the week.

For those planning evening activities, the progression into nightfall today brings increasing clouds, but with a comfortable low of around 61. The calm of the early evening however comes with a southern breeze that, becoming east after midnight, will set the tone for a damp Friday.

But the wet weather won't be a mere sprinkle. NWS forecasts are giving Knoxville residents a heads-up for likely showers and possible thunderstorms after 2 pm tomorrow, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch—and even more during thunderstorms. And it's not just a Friday affair: the rain is here to stick around through the weekend. As the northeast wind gets a southwestern twist in the afternoon, the likelihood of needing your raincoat increases with a 70% chance of precipitation Friday night.

A weekend washout is lined up, with showers and possible thunderstorms on Saturday, and NWS is calling for an 80% chance of rain. While the wind remains coming from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, these showers are not just mere flirtations with rainfall. They're expected to pour down in full force, with a persistent mantra of possible thundershowers into Sunday night.

The rhythm of rain continues into next week as well, with NWS forecasting a high near 81 on Monday and a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. As night falls, there is a lesser, yet lingering 30 percent mention of precipitation. Come Tuesday, the skies may brighten slightly, but keep your rain gear at the ready as showers and thunderstorms retain a foothold with a 30 percent chance of crashing your plans. And if you are looking for sunshine, Wednesday shows promise but still carries the caveat of a 30% chance of rain.