Knoxville woke up Sunday, Feb. 1, to the kind of cold that makes you rethink every errand. Temperatures started out in the teens and will only crawl upward through the afternoon. Skies are expected to clear to mostly sunny by mid to late afternoon, but highs are still forecast to land only in the mid-20s, so it will feel much harsher than the numbers on the thermometer. Light breezes in the valley, and stronger winds over the higher terrain will drag wind chills toward or below zero in some spots.
Cold Weather Advisory Through Early Afternoon
The National Weather Service office in Morristown has a Cold Weather Advisory in effect until 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, warning of “very cold wind chills” that could lead to hypothermia if people do not take precautions, according to NWS Morristown. Forecasters are calling for a high near 25°F today and a low around 12°F tonight, with a warming trend expected Monday into Tuesday. Rain chances return late Tuesday into Tuesday night as temperatures climb into the 40s, with mostly light winds through the valley and the worst cold impacts focused on the ridges and higher elevations.
Where To Find Warmth
Local partners have standing warming-center plans in place for dangerously cold nights. The official list includes Church Street United Methodist (900 Henley St.) and Cokesbury Church (9919 Kingston Pike) among the sites open through Feb. 1. Knoxville Area Transit and city services sometimes provide transport to warming centers, so residents are urged to call 311 or check local transit updates for current route information. For the most up-to-date list of locations and details on how to volunteer or donate, visit KnoxTNHousing.
How To Stay Safe
Officials advise limiting time outdoors, dressing in layers with a hat and gloves, and checking on older neighbors and pets, since even short periods in single-digit wind chills can be dangerous. Residents are urged to follow basic heater and generator safety, never operate generators indoors, and avoid leaving cars idling in enclosed spaces. For the latest advisories and specific precautionary guidance, see NWS Morristown.
