Clouds, a biting 25°F start, and a stiff northwest breeze greeted Knoxville on Monday as colder air slides in and drags light snow chances along with it. The city should top out near 36°F this afternoon, with northwest winds around 10 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. The real trouble spots are expected to be mountain roads, especially in the Smokies and on the Cumberland Plateau, where slick pavement and brief drops in visibility could make driving dicey. If you are heading over higher passes or exposed stretches, plan on extra layers and a slower commute.
Afternoon Flurries and a Mountain Snow Advisory
Through mid-afternoon Monday, valley locations carry a slight chance of passing snow showers. Higher elevations are the ones more likely to see steadier snow and measurable totals. Forecasters are calling for gusts around 25 mph in the valleys and stronger gusts on exposed ridges, and a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the East Tennessee mountains stays in place through tonight. Many slopes could pick up 2 to 4 inches of snow, with up to 6 inches possible on the highest peaks. Wind chills on those ridgelines are expected to drop into the single digits this evening, so extra layers are not optional, according to NWS Morristown.
Midweek Thaw Before a Windy, Soaking Thursday
After the chilly start to the week, temperatures bounce back into the 40s and 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain makes its return Wednesday night and ramps up on Thursday as a stronger front sweeps through the region. That Thursday system brings the best shot at widespread showers and gusty southwest winds. Forecasters have flagged the period for stronger gusts and the possibility of isolated damaging pockets where the pressure gradient tightens. If you have outdoor plans or travel lined up later this week, keep tabs on updates and local advisories.
Road-Ready Tips for the Week
Monday evening will likely feature slick spots on bridges and higher ramps, which are quick to freeze. Give yourself extra time, slow down on untreated surfaces, and be ready for patchy ice, especially after sunset. The Tennessee Department of Transportation offers winter-driving guidance and real-time road conditions through its 511 system, so check the inclement-weather pages before you head into the mountains, per TDOT. If you are traveling long distances or climbing into higher terrain, keep emergency supplies in the car and think about postponing nonessential trips tonight.
Bottom line: expect light, mostly nuisance snow in the valleys, with the Smokies taking the bigger hit from accumulations tonight. A quick warmup midweek is followed by a wetter, windier system on Thursday. Stay plugged into National Weather Service updates and road-condition pages before you head out.
