Wednesday is starting on the cool and mostly cloudy side in Knoxville, with readings settled in the mid‑50s across the valley. By this afternoon, though, the sun should punch through, pushing highs into the mid‑70s and delivering a day that feels a lot more like spring than early March. Southwest breezes will stiffen at times, with gusts up to 20 mph in exposed spots, so some evening commuters may notice a bit of a push from the wind. Tonight, temperatures ease back into the mid‑50s.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds stay light through the morning before ramping up later today, with southwest gusts around 15-20 mph. The breeze gets more serious late in the week. Thursday could bring gusts up to 25 mph in valley locations, and Friday into Saturday carries the potential for even stronger gusts near 30 mph along ridgelines and exposed roadways. This is a good time to secure loose patio furniture and trash cans, and to be extra cautious if you are driving high‑profile vehicles on bridges or open stretches of road.
Record Heat Late This Week
Temperatures surge through the rest of the week - near 80°F on Thursday and into the low 80s on Friday - high enough to challenge daily records for early March. According to the NWS Morristown AFD, record highs for Knoxville from March 5 through 8 sit in the upper 70s to around 80°F, and forecasters say the expected readings may push to or even above those marks.
Weekend Rain And Thunder Chances
Rain returns by Saturday, when showers and thunderstorms are likely, with the forecast showing roughly a 70% chance. Shower chances linger into Sunday and early next week. A widespread severe weather outbreak is not expected locally, but heavier downpours could briefly cut visibility and make roads slick in any stronger cells, so factor that in if you have outdoor plans or will be on the roads over the weekend.
Plan Ahead
If you are planning to be outside later this week, think layers for the mild days and cooler nights, tie down or bring in anything that could blow around before the winds peak, and keep an umbrella handy for Saturday. For the latest timing details and any watches or warnings, check updates from NWS Morristown before you head out.
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