Here we go! An active, wet weather pattern is setting up this week to bring us much needed rain in the midst of a drought

TODAY’S FORECAST

Knoxville & East Tennessee Weather Forecast – December 15, 2024

General Overview:

Expect a chilly and overcast day in Knoxville and across much of East Tennessee. Today’s weather features cooler-than-average temperatures for mid-December, with some regions possibly experiencing light rain showers and overcast skies throughout the day. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Highs & Lows:

• Knoxville High Today: 50°F (8°C)
• Knoxville Low Tonight: 45°F (1°C)

Weather Conditions:

• Cloud Cover: Mostly cloudy to overcast skies with little chance for sunbreaks.
• Rain: Light rain or drizzle is expected, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours.
• Wind: Winds will be light to moderate, with gusts up to 10-15 mph.
• Humidity: High humidity levels will make it feel chillier, especially in the morning and late evening.

Hourly Breakdown:

• Morning (6 AM – 12 PM): Mostly cloudy, temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s, light winds, and chances of scattered drizzle.
• Afternoon (12 PM – 6 PM): Cloudy with occasional light rain showers, highs reaching the low 50s. Winds will pick up slightly, but remain mild.
• Evening (6 PM – 12 AM): Continued overcast skies, temperatures dropping back into the low 40s and high 30s. There may be intermittent rain showers.

East Tennessee Specifics:

• Smoky Mountains: In higher elevations, temperatures will be colder, and snowfall is possible above 3,000 feet, with accumulations likely in the higher mountain areas. If you’re planning a trip to the Smokies, be aware of slick roads and potentially reduced visibility.
• Appalachian Region: Similar conditions will be seen in the foothills and mountain areas to the north and east, with chilly temperatures and light precipitation.

Safety Tips & Travel Advice:

• For Drivers: Be cautious on the roads, particularly in mountainous areas, where fog, drizzle, or slick conditions may impact visibility and road traction.
• Outdoor Activities: If you’re planning outdoor activities today, make sure to dress warmly and bring rain gear. Hiking and outdoor sports may be limited by the persistent cloud cover and drizzle.

THE REST OF THE STORY 

Next Week (Dec 18-22):

• Monday-Wednesday (Dec 18-20): A mix of sun and clouds will prevail, with temperatures warming  into the 50s and 60s°F during the day. However, waves of rain will be moving through as several disturbances move through.
• Thursday-Friday (Dec 21-22): Colder air may return, with lows dipping below freezing, and there could be some light snowfall in the higher regions. Lower elevations will likely see rain or mixed precipitation. Highs will be in the 40s°F, with temperatures falling closer to freezing at night.

General Pattern:

• Expect mild but variable weather with occasional cold fronts bringing cooler temperatures and isolated showers or flurries. The mountains, including the Smokies, will experience colder conditions and more frequent snow showers, while the valley areas around Knoxville will stay mostly in the rain or mix zone.

For the most accurate updates, especially for travel or outdoor plans, always check in on the eastTNweather app, particularly with the changing conditions in East Tennessee’s diverse terrain.