The first full week of April is off to a brisk and chilly start, with temperatures well below average across East Tennessee. Whether you’re waking up in Knoxville, heading into the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or commuting through Chattanooga, you’re feeling the return of winter-like air. Cooler sunshine dominates today, and the forecast takes us on a rollercoaster ride with a hard freeze tonight, followed by midweek warming and our next system arriving Thursday and Friday, bringing rain—and even some wrap-around snow in the Smokies.
Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s forecast across Knoxville weather, Chattanooga, Crossville, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
TUESDAY: CHILLY SUNSHINE AND BELOW AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
A bright but brisk day greets us across the region today. Sunshine dominates the skies over Knoxville and the surrounding valley, but temperatures will struggle to reach the mid to upper 40s this afternoon. That’s 10 to 15 degrees below average for early April, and it certainly feels more like February than springtime.
From Chattanooga to Crossville, even with full sunshine, the air remains crisp and cool, thanks to a cold Canadian air mass locked in over the region. It’s a good day for the heavier jacket if you’re spending time outdoors.
TUESDAY NIGHT: WIDESPREAD HARD FREEZE EXPECTED
As winds calm and skies stay clear, temperatures will plummet Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. A widespread hard freeze is expected across all of East Tennessee, with morning lows dipping into the mid to upper 20s across the valleys and even colder numbers in rural and mountain areas.
Gardeners and homeowners should take action to protect early spring plants and flowering trees. Sensitive vegetation could be severely damaged by the cold, especially with prolonged sub-freezing temperatures.
In the foothills and up into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, temperatures could drop into the lower 20s or teens in higher elevations.
WEDNESDAY: WARMER AND DRY
After a frigid start, we begin to rebound Wednesday afternoon. Highs climb back into the mid to upper 50s across Knoxville and much of the valley, and sunshine remains dominant through the day. The moderation is brief, however, as our next system is already gearing up to move in by Thursday.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY: RAIN RETURNS, SNOW POSSIBLE IN THE SMOKIES
A strong late-week system moves into the region Thursday, bringing scattered rain showers across much of East Tennessee. From Knoxville to Chattanooga, expect a soggy and cooler day Thursday with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.
By Friday, colder air wraps around behind the departing system. This could bring a chance for light snow in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Accumulation is not expected in lower elevations, but visitors to places like Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome should prepare for slick conditions and wintry scenery—yes, even in April!
Weekend Preview: Drying Out, Still Cool
WEEKEND PREVIEW: DRYING OUT, STILL COOL
As the system pulls away, we’ll see gradual clearing for the weekend. Saturday and Sunday both look drier but still cool, with highs in the 50s and lows near or just above freezing. Frost is once again possible for morning hours through the weekend, especially in sheltered areas.
YOUR EAST TENNESSEE FORECAST SNAPSHOT
Knoxville Weather:
Tuesday: Sunny, chilly, highs in the upper 40s
Wednesday AM: Hard freeze, lows in the 20s
Thursday-Friday: Rain with highs in the 40s-50s
Weekend: Dry, cool, highs in the 50s
Chattanooga Weather:
Mostly sunny today, highs near 50
Cold mornings, frost/freeze risks
Rain Thursday into Friday
Gradual clearing by the weekend
Great Smoky Mountain National Park Weather:
Light snow possible Friday in higher elevations
Icy roads and winter conditions may return briefly
Beautiful, crisp hiking weather midweek before rain arrives
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE 7 DAY FORECAST
Looking past the 7 Day Forecast, the Climate Prediction Center has issues a forecast based on probabilities.
These maps don’t show you how far above or below, but rather an idea of how strong the signal is.
BE PREPARED AND WEATHER ALERT
This is a high-impact weather pattern that will affect millions from the Southern Plains to the Eastern U.S., including here in Knoxville. Residents should stay weather-aware throughout the weekend and into early next week. Download a trusted weather app, turn on emergency alerts, and have a plan if flooding becomes an issue in your area.
As always, check in daily for updated Knoxville weather forecasts, radar updates, and storm tracking information. Enjoy the warmth while it lasts, and get ready for some big changes ahead.