Knoxville woke to mostly clear skies and temperatures near 68 degrees Wednesday morning, but the calm will not last all day. Sunshine will push temperatures toward 88 degrees before showers and thunderstorms become possible after 1 p.m., making the afternoon a keep-one-eye-on-the-sky situation.
The National Weather Service in Morristown puts the chance of rain at 50% Wednesday, with most storms expected during the afternoon and early evening. Winds should remain light from the southwest at 5 mph or less, though stronger storms could bring brief heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusts of 40 to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms Could Produce Brief Downpours
Rainfall will likely be uneven, with some Knoxville neighborhoods staying dry while others get a quick downpour. Slow-moving storms may cause localized flooding in low spots and near small streams, especially where rain falls heavily in a short period.
Storm chances ease after about 8 p.m. Wednesday, leaving partly cloudy skies and a low near 71 degrees overnight. No watches, warnings or advisories were posted for the area with this forecast.
Thursday Starts Sunny Before Storms Return
Thursday will follow a similar pattern, with mostly sunny skies early and a high near 87 degrees before showers and thunderstorms become likely during the afternoon. Storms remain possible Thursday night, when temperatures should settle near 71 degrees.
The unsettled pattern continues through the weekend, with highs around 88 degrees Friday and Saturday and daily chances for showers and thunderstorms. Sunday through Tuesday stay hot, with highs near 89 degrees and storm chances generally ranging from 30% to 40%, so outdoor plans may need a little flexibility.
What Knoxville Residents Should Watch
The main concerns are lightning, sudden downpours and isolated flooding rather than an all-day washout. Anyone heading outside Wednesday afternoon or later this week should keep an eye on changing skies, avoid flooded roadways and move indoors when thunder is heard.
