Knoxville woke up to a warm, unsettled start Tuesday, with partly cloudy skies, mild air in the mid-50s at local observation sites, and a few early rumbles of thunder in the mix. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely through mid-morning, with highs expected near 76 degrees.
Morning Rain And The Commute
Scattered to numerous showers and a few thunderstorms are expected before 11 a.m. Tuesday, then the rain chance gradually backs off through the afternoon as drier air filters in. Most spots should see light totals, about a tenth to a quarter of an inch, but a brief, heavier downpour could still slick up the roads during the drive. Southwest winds around 5-10 mph, with gusts up to about 20 mph, may add a little extra wobble to high-profile vehicles.
Wednesday's Stronger System
A stronger system moves in on Wednesday, sending temperatures into the low 80s ahead of a cold front that will push through Wednesday night. According to the NWS Morristown, showers and thunderstorms are likely Tuesday morning with highs near 76 degrees, and Wednesday evening into early Thursday could feature a more organized line of storms, with damaging winds as the primary concern. Forecast guidance notes gusts commonly 202020mph and ridgetop gusts up to 302020mph, while overall instability may be elevated, and a brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Thursday Cool Down And Weekend
The cold front should clear the area Thursday afternoon, pulling in a cooler air mass with highs in the low to mid-50s and overnight lows in the low 40s. A few light snow showers are possible across the highest East Tennessee ridgelines early Thursday, with little to no accumulation expected. By Friday and into the weekend, temperatures bounce back into the 60s and 70s. For more on how this warm stretch set up, see our March heat record watch.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans on Wednesday evening, have a backup ready and expect gusty winds and brief heavy downpours along the front. It is a good idea to secure loose patio furniture and trash cans so they do not blow down the block, and to keep an eye on any watches, warnings, and updates from the NWS before heading out.
