Knoxville started the day under mostly cloudy skies and a cool 41°F around 6:35 a.m., but the gray will not last. Sunshine is expected to build through the day and push highs into the upper 60s to near 70°F this afternoon. Light winds and dry conditions should make today a prime window for errands, outdoor plans, and any quick projects before a much more active pattern rolls in late this weekend.
That quiet stretch ends as a dynamic system sweeps in late Sunday into Monday, bringing a high-end mountain-wave wind risk, an overnight line of showers and storms, and a sharp cooldown on its heels. According to the National Weather Service Morristown's forecast discussion, strong winds aloft paired with mountain-wave ducting could drive 50-plus knot winds over the Smokies and create a damaging-wind threat for portions of east Tennessee late Sunday night into Monday morning. NWS Morristown discussion
Sunday Night Into Monday: Wind And A Shot At Severe Weather
Winds are expected to ramp up Sunday, ahead of a line of showers and storms that will likely race through between midnight and 6 a.m. Monday, March 16. The main concern is damaging straight-line winds within a fast-moving line. Valley gusts could reach 30–35 mph, while much stronger mountain-wave gusts may be capable of bringing down branches and causing isolated power outages. Anyone with Sunday evening plans should be ready for sudden gusts and potential slowdowns on local roads as the system approaches.
Rain To Snow Transition And Cold Snap
The cold front is set to move through on Monday, March 16, with rain showers likely early, then a transition to snow showers Monday afternoon into Monday night in the higher elevations. Any meaningful accumulation is expected to be limited to the Smokies and parts of southwest Virginia. Valley locations should mainly see rain, followed by a much colder air mass, with lows near 22°F Monday night and significantly colder wind chills on the ridges. Travelers using mountain roads Monday afternoon and evening should watch for slick spots and plan extra time.
What To Do Today And On The Commute
Take advantage of the sunshine today, and use the calm weather to secure loose outdoor items and patio furniture before Sunday evening so they do not become airborne in the stronger gusts. If you need to travel late Sunday night into Monday morning, keep an eye on updates and any watches from the National Weather Service Morristown and try to work around the overnight window of highest wind risk. For the latest forecast and any watches or warnings, check the NWS Morristown.
