A dynamic and active weather pattern is setting up across East Tennessee, with Knoxville weather front and center in the changes. From soaking rain and the risk of flash flooding today to a dramatic drop in temperatures early next week, the region is on track for a wild ride through the start of April.
Let’s break down everything you need to know—from rainfall totals and temperature swings to when we’ll warm back up and see more rain later in the week.
HEAVY RAINFALL TODAY INCREASES FLOOD RISK
Widespread rain is falling across East Tennessee today, and it’s coming down fast in some spots. Most areas across the region are expected to see 1 to 2 inches of rainfall, with localized pockets reaching up to 3 inches. This kind of rainfall over a short period can lead to water pooling on roads, overflowing creeks and streams, and flash flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
The flood and flash flood risk will remain elevated through Sunday, especially in areas that pick up heavier rainfall today. Urban areas, hilly terrain, and rural roads are especially vulnerable, so use caution if you’re traveling this afternoon and evening.
STORMS CLEAR OUT, THEN A COLD BLAST MOVES IN
Once the rain pushes east Sunday night into early Monday morning, it will open the door for much colder air to settle into the region. Behind this system, high temperatures Monday and Tuesday will only reach the 50s—a big change from the warmer weather we’ve seen lately.
Even more concerning are the low temperatures expected early in the week. Tuesday morning will bring widespread frost, and Wednesday morning could bring a hard freeze, with temps dropping into the upper 20s to low 30s across Knoxville and surrounding areas.
This could pose a serious risk to any early season plants or blooms, so make sure to take precautions if you’ve already done any spring planting.
A MIDWEEK REBOUND, THEN MORE RAIN
The cold won’t stick around for long. Knoxville weather will rebound to near-seasonal averages by Wednesday afternoon, with highs climbing back into the mid-60s and lows back in the 40s. But just as we warm up, another system moves in Thursday into Friday, bringing more rain to the area.
The timing and intensity of this next round of wet weather is still being refined, but the setup looks likely to bring additional rainfall—possibly another 1 to 2 inches in some areas. This could prolong the soggy conditions and keep soils saturated, further elevating the risk for flooding with any heavier downpours.
NEXT WEEKEND TURNS COOLER AGAIN
Looking ahead to next weekend, cooler air is expected to return behind that late-week rainmaker. While it doesn’t look as cold as early next week, temperatures will likely fall back below average with highs in the 50s and lows dipping into the upper 30s and 40s.
Spring in East Tennessee is famous for its ups and downs, and this coming week will be a classic example of that weather rollercoaster.
SUMMARY OF WHAT TO EXPECT
Today–Sunday: 1-2″ of rain (locally 3″), with elevated flood and flash flood risk
Monday–Tuesday: Much colder, highs in the 50s, frost Tuesday, hard freeze likely Wednesday morning
Midweek: Warmer temperatures return by Wednesday
Thursday–Friday: Another system brings more rain to East Tennessee
Next Weekend: Cooler temperatures return with drier air
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.
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