Knoxville woke up in a haze this morning, with pockets of fog and mist hanging low over the city, temperatures near 63°F, and the air just about saturated. The murk should fade by mid-morning as the sun takes over and skies turn mostly sunny ahead of a hot, almost summerlike afternoon.
By early afternoon, temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s and top out near 90°F later in the day, with southwest winds around 0 to 10 mph and gusts that could push up to 20 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Those southwest gusts this afternoon will not just make it feel a bit hotter; they could also shove around anything that is not nailed down. Lightweight patio furniture, porch plants, and yard decor on exposed ridges or along river corridors may be at risk of going airborne for a few feet.
If you are running errands or working outside between about 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., keep water handy and expect occasional quick bursts of wind. It is also a good idea to secure outdoor grills, canopies, and lawn chairs, since one stray gust can scatter gear in a hurry.
Storms Return Midweek
A short-wave trough is expected to chip away at the current ridge by Wednesday, May 20, opening the door to increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21. Showers and storms are likely Wednesday night and then become fairly widespread Thursday and Friday, with several rounds of rain possible into the weekend.
Before heading out later this week, check the latest forecast for updated timing and rainfall amounts. Current guidance points to higher rain chances from midweek into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown.
Plan Ahead
If your calendar is packed with outdoor plans, it may be smart to pencil in backup dates from Wednesday onward and stay ready to pause for lightning or brief downpours. The city council has recently discussed expanding cooling center planning for heat events, so neighbors without reliable air conditioning should keep an eye on local resources and community announcements, as reported by WVLT.
