Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — Knoxville woke up to clear skies and a cool airport reading of about 52°F this morning. Afternoon sunshine is set to push temperatures into the upper 70s, but gusty southwest winds and a multi-day stretch of wet weather arriving tonight mean the pleasant run will be short-lived.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds will crank up through the afternoon, generally 0–15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, especially on exposed ridges and near the airport. The late-morning and afternoon commute may feel a bit more blustery than the numbers alone suggest, so it is a good idea to secure patio furniture and any lightweight yard items. For background on the broader setup, see steamy Knoxville skies tease city.
Tonight Into Wednesday
A front slides in overnight, bringing a chance of showers before midnight and a growing risk of showers and thunderstorms between about 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Wednesday, May 6. According to the National Weather Service office in Morristown, showers and thunderstorms are likely Wednesday, with periods of heavy rain possible and new rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch in some spots. Forecasters also highlight a conditional threat for a few strong to severe storms Wednesday if surface instability can develop.
Plan Ahead
Be ready for brief heavy downpours, reduced visibility and ponding on low-lying roads, and avoid driving through standing water. Secure outdoor gear, allow extra time for evening travel, and keep up with later forecasts along with any watches or warnings through midweek. If conditions deteriorate, follow guidance from local officials and move to higher ground if needed.
