Knoxville started Sunday on the chilly side, waking up to clear skies and low 40s. That cool, crisp start will not last long, though, with a sharp warm-up sending afternoon highs close to 75°F. South winds will crank up through the day, turning it breezy before conditions go downhill overnight. The big-ticket concern comes after midnight, when a fast-moving line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to sweep through with damaging straight-line winds possible and a small tornado risk in parts of the southern valley and plateau.
Afternoon Warmup And Gusty Winds
Temperatures will climb quickly this afternoon to around 75°F with south winds around 0–15 mph and gusts up to 25–30 mph; a few spots could see gusts over 30 mph before sunset. Higher elevations and foothills are in line for stronger, mountain-wave-enhanced winds, and a High Wind Warning remains in effect for those areas, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown. It is a good idea to tie down patio furniture and secure any loose outdoor items before the stronger gusts arrive.
Overnight Line Could Bring Damaging Gusts
Rain showers are likely between about midnight and 4 a.m., followed by a line of showers and thunderstorms pushing east across the area roughly between 1 and 6 a.m. Most storms will be moving quickly, which helps limit flooding but ramps up the wind risk. The primary hazard will be damaging winds and a brief tornado threat, especially across the southern valley and the Cumberland Plateau. New rainfall totals of roughly one half to three quarters of an inch are possible where storms are most focused.
Monday Chill And Mountain Snow
Once the front moves through, temperatures will fall during the day on Monday with highs only in the upper 40s and lows dipping into the mid-20s Monday night. The colder air could allow rain to flip briefly to snow over the higher terrain, although only light accumulations are expected. Gusty west winds are likely on Monday as the colder air funnels into the valley, so it will feel even chillier than the numbers suggest.
How To Prepare
Charge phones, secure loose outdoor items, and plan for a gusty, potentially slippery commute if you are out late tonight. If a watch or warning is issued, move to an interior room away from windows and stay there until the storm passes. For the latest timing and any changes, check out the heats up then hunkers down forecast and keep an eye on the National Weather Service Morristown page for real-time warnings.
