According to the National Weather Service in Knoxville, residents across East Tennessee and parts of southwest Virginia should be prepared to face a wintry mix today and into the evening. Forecasts predict increasing clouds with comfortable highs near 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, followed by a chance of snow showers before 10 pm. "A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 10pm," details the National Weather Service report, with "cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 23." Locals can expect calmer winds to transition north at around 5 mph as the night progresses.
The NWS has also released a Hazardous Weather Outlook that spans portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. As residents gear up to begin their weeks, they should also plan accordingly with the cold conditions. "Snow will develop across the mountains of East Tennessee and southwest Virginia late this afternoon through tonight," states the Outlook, with the Smoky Mountains likely to receive 2 to 4 inches of snow, and areas at or above 2500 feet elevation not far behind with an anticipated 1 to 2 inches. However, the plateau and portions of northeast Tennessee may just see a light dusting, with "little to no accumulations expected elsewhere."
Looking forward to the week's weather, Tuesday will greet us with sunny skies and a high near 38 degrees, while Wednesday promises warmer temperatures up to 48 degrees and a sunnier outlook. Nonetheless, Wednesday night could bring a 30 percent chance of rain and gusty winds, per the National Weather Service's detailed forecast. The rest of the week fluctuates, featuring chilly evenings with lows plunging to around 21 degrees and daily highs generally hovering near the 40s.
The recent weather bulletin also highlights the need for precautions against the cold, especially in the higher elevations where the wind chill could drop to single digits or even zero. While the lower areas aren't expected to receive significant snowfall, the "Hazardous Weather Outlook" from the National Weather Service urges all to prepare for a chilly start to December. Furthermore, the service requests that community members report snowfall totals, remarking that, "Reports of snowfall totals are appreciated."
