Knoxville woke up to clear, cool skies Sunday, the kind that make the coffee taste a little better, even if you can still see your breath. Early readings at the KDKX observation site were in the mid 30s, but the valley will warm quickly, with a forecast high near 69°F under mostly sunny skies and light west winds of 0 to 5 mph. If you have outdoor plans, the afternoon should feel solidly springlike; just do not ignore what is coming later this week.
A Special Weather Statement issued Saturday night flagged enhanced fire danger across the region from midday Sunday into the evening as relative humidity is expected to fall into the teens and southwest gusts could reach about 25 mph, increasing the chance that dry grass or leaves could ignite and spread quickly, according to NWS Morristown. The notice urges residents to properly dispose of cigarette butts and matches, avoid operating spark producing equipment over dry vegetation, and keep vehicles off dry grass. Some higher elevation sites reported stronger overnight gusts, but most valley locations should see only light winds through the afternoon.
Afternoon Warmup and Week Ahead
Temperatures climb through Monday and Tuesday, with highs near 74°F on Monday and into the low 80s (around 81°F) by Tuesday. Southwest winds pick up a bit too, generally 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to about 25 mph. A slight chance of showers shows up late Tuesday night, and the odds of showers and thunderstorms grow by Wednesday to about a 70% chance, then stay elevated Thursday into the weekend. In other words, enjoy the next couple of dry, warm days, but have the umbrella and a backup indoor plan ready by midweek.
Fire Weather Safety
With very dry air and pockets of gusty wind, even a small spark can turn into a fast moving fire. The most vulnerable fuels are dry grasses, leaf litter, and brush. Avoid open burning, postpone debris burns, keep grills and generators well away from dry vegetation, and do not park vehicles on dry grass. If you see smoke or a new fire, call 911 and report the location immediately.
Legal Implications
Some local authorities have already restricted open burning this month. For example, local outlets reported a Knox County ban in late February, and the NWS reminder to obey local burn bans remains in effect for areas under those restrictions, according to WIVK-FM. Check your county's website or air quality office before starting any outdoor burn, since burn ban violations can result in fines and other penalties.
