Knoxville is waking up to the kind of cold that bites, with clouds, near‑freezing air, and northwest winds already starting to rumble through. Temperatures sit in the mid‑30s this Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, and will only manage a high near 39°F. Skies turn partly sunny, but there is a small chance of rain showers late in the afternoon. Up high, it is a different story: the higher Smokies and ridgelines of southwest Virginia are under a Winter Weather Advisory, with light to moderate snow possible through Monday night. Gusty winds and low wind chills will make it feel colder than the numbers suggest, especially for anyone traveling.
Mountain Snow And Advisories
Quick snow showers will brush the highest peaks Sunday morning before a more persistent round of northwest‑flow snow sets up Sunday evening into Monday. Forecasters expect about 1–4 inches of snow below 4,000 feet and 4–7 inches at and above 4,000 feet, with isolated higher totals on the tallest summits and only a dusting in most valley spots. Gusts around 30 mph in the valleys and up to 40 mph on exposed ridges could blow around the lighter accumulations and drive wind chills into the single digits at high elevations, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown.
Afternoon Gusts And Commute
Late morning and much of the afternoon look drier, although clouds and a stiff breeze will hang around. After about 4 p.m. Sunday, there is a chance of rain showers, but many valley locations will stay dry or only get briefly damp. Tonight brings a chance of rain and snow showers before about 1 a.m., with temperatures dropping to around 24°F. On Monday, a lingering chance of snow showers continues mainly through the morning and early afternoon, with northwest winds gusting near 25 mph. Plan on giving yourself extra time for the evening and early Monday commute, and keep an eye out for slick patches where any daytime melting refreezes.
Warming Centers And Transit
The city maintains an updated list of warming centers and winter weather service information, and Knoxville Area Transit has, in past cold snaps, provided free or adjusted service to get people to those sites. If you need a warm place or a ride, check the City of Knoxville pages or KAT social channels for current openings and route changes. If you rely on transit or have to drive into the hills, it may be worth delaying trips until conditions settle down.
The Week Ahead
Dryer weather and a gradual warm‑up move in Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs climbing into the upper 40s on Tuesday and into the upper 50s by Wednesday. The next shot at measurable rain arrives Wednesday night into Thursday, when forecasters expect steadier rain and highs near 60°F, followed by a return to cooler and drier conditions for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown. If you have outdoor plans later this week, it is worth keeping an eye on updated forecasts.
Bottom line: pack a few extra layers if you are heading into the mountains and build in some wiggle room for overnight and Monday travel. If you or someone you know needs protection from the cold, the city and local nonprofits have warming sites open through the winter.
