The Knoxville area is bracing for an eventful weather shift as per the latest report from the National Weather Service (NWS). Today's mild fog and mist will give way to a weekend that promises showers and the potential for thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain relatively warm with today's high nearing 68 degrees, switching to a calmer breeze from the south around 5 mph.
Tonight's forecast remains mostly cloudy with lows hovering around 56 degrees. However, the true action begins tomorrow. According to the National Weather Service, the region is in for "showers and storms Friday into Saturday," with new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible, and a strike of 80% chance of rain during the day. Southwest winds will continue to run at a gentle 5 to 10 mph.
As the weekend plunges forward, the weather ramps up with a 100% chance of showers, and thunderstorms possible after 1 am tomorrow night. The outlook for Saturday isn't looking any drier, with showers and possibly a thunderstorm forecasted before 1 pm, then likely showers afterwards. Wind from the south will pick up speed, potentially reaching gusts as high as 20 mph.
A Hazardous Weather Outlook bulletin issued by the NWS warns of "mountain wave enhanced strong winds," these conditions are expected across the mountains and foothills until Saturday morning. "Locally heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, even with ongoing drought conditions" the bulletin advised. Notably, a few storms could produce damaging winds, specifically targeting the Plateau and Southern Valley counties.
While Knoxville's Sunday is forecast to clear up with mostly sunny skies and a high near 43 degrees, west winds may continue to gust up to 20 mph. The start of the next week looks to bring a reprieve, with clear, sunny conditions and highs lingering in the mid-40s to low 50s. Residents are advised to monitor updates, especially if residing in areas prone to wind or flood impacts. Spotter activation has been deemed unnecessary at this time, but the situation will be closely monitored throughout the week.
