Knoxville is waking up under cloudy skies around 72 degrees Saturday, but the quiet start is short-lived. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to build through the morning, with temperatures rising toward 88 degrees and multiple rounds of storms possible into Saturday night.
Storms Arrive Before Lunch
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms begins early, with storms becoming more likely from roughly 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. The chance of rain is around 80%, and most spots could pick up between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with locally heavier downpours possible. Southwest winds should generally stay between 0 and 10 mph.
Strong Storms And Flooding Possible
The National Weather Service in Morristown says a few storms could become strong to severe late Saturday into Saturday night, with damaging winds the main concern and a tornado not ruled out in parts of the broader region. Heavy rain could also create localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and spots with poor drainage. No watches or warnings are listed for the area in the supplied forecast, but conditions may change quickly once storms develop.
Sunday Starts A Wet Week
Sunday brings a high near 86 degrees, a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, and possible wind gusts up to 25 mph. Monday and Tuesday stay unsettled with highs in the mid-80s and storm chances near 50%, while Wednesday through Friday trend hotter, reaching the upper 80s to around 90 degrees with smaller afternoon storm chances.
Outdoor Plans Need A Backup
Saturday morning may offer a narrow window before the steadiest storms arrive, but outdoor plans should include an indoor option through the afternoon and evening. If thunder is nearby, move inside, and never drive through water covering a roadway, especially after a burst of heavy rain.
