Knoxville weather is set to turn unsettled tonight as rain and gusty winds move into the area with a cold front crossing East Tennessee. Rain chances remain high through the evening, and some locations may hear isolated rumbles of thunder. While severe weather is not expected, strong wind gusts could cause loose outdoor items and holiday decorations to shift or fall.
Overnight temperatures will drop into the mid-30s, creating a cold and damp night across the region.
By Friday, the cold front will move out, allowing clouds to clear gradually. Sunshine will return by the afternoon, but it will feel cooler and breezy. High temperatures are expected to reach around 43°F, with some higher elevations remaining in the upper 30s.
Friday night will be clear and cold, with lows falling into the upper 20s. This chilly air will not last long, as conditions begin to improve over the weekend.
Saturday looks pleasant with mostly sunny skies and highs near 57°F, followed by a mild Sunday in the mid-50s. Looking ahead, a warm and mostly dry Christmas is expected, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-60s.
Rain, Wind, and Thunder Possible Tonight
A cold front moving across the region tonight will bring widespread rain, strong winds, and even the chance of a few rumbles of thunder. Rain chances are high, and many areas will see wet conditions through the evening and overnight hours.
Although severe storms are not expected, wind gusts could become strong, especially as the front passes. These gusts may be enough to move unsecured outdoor items, including trash bins, patio furniture, and holiday inflatables. Residents are advised to secure loose decorations before nightfall.
Temperatures overnight will fall into the mid-30s, creating a cold, damp feel. Winds from the west and southwest will remain noticeable, adding to the chill.
Friday Brings Cooler Air and Breezy Conditions
Once the cold front clears the area, Friday will feel noticeably cooler. Morning clouds may linger early in the day, but skies are expected to clear quickly, allowing sunshine to return by late morning or early afternoon.
Despite the sunshine, cooler air behind the front will limit warming. High temperatures on Friday are expected to reach only around 43°F in Knoxville. Areas on the Cumberland Plateau and closer to the Kentucky border may struggle to rise out of the upper 30s.
Winds will remain breezy throughout the day, which could make it feel colder than the actual temperature. Anyone heading out for work, school, or errands Friday morning should dress warmly.
Cold Friday Night Sets the Stage for a Better Weekend
Friday night will be one of the coldest nights of the week. With skies turning mostly clear and winds calming down, temperatures will drop efficiently.
Lows are expected to fall into the mid to upper 20s across much of East Tennessee. This could lead to frost development, especially in sheltered areas. Gardeners and pet owners should take appropriate precautions.
The good news is that this cold air does not last long.
Sunny and Milder Weather Returns This Weekend
Saturday: A Noticeable Warm-Up
Saturday will bring a welcome change, with mostly sunny skies, lighter winds, and rising temperatures. Afternoon highs are forecast to reach the upper 50s, making it one of the more pleasant days of the week.
This temperature is slightly above the seasonal average for this time of year, and the sunshine will make it feel even nicer.
A weak cold front may pass through Saturday night, but limited moisture means rain chances remain very low.
Sunday: Comfortable and Seasonal
Sunday starts with some morning clouds, but sunshine should return as the day goes on. Highs will settle into the mid-50s, which is close to normal for late December.
Overall, the weekend looks dry, calm, and comfortable, making it ideal for travel, outdoor plans, and last-minute holiday shopping.
Early Next Week: Clouds Increase but Temperatures Stay Mild
As we move into the week leading up to Christmas, the weather pattern becomes cloudier but warmer.
Monday
Monday morning will begin on a chilly note, with temperatures in the upper 20s. Clouds will increase quickly through the day, limiting sunshine. Afternoon highs will reach around 50°F, which is right near average for Knoxville.
Tuesday
Tuesday will remain mostly cloudy as a warm front approaches the region. This setup could squeeze out spotty light rain or drizzle, but widespread or heavy rain is not expected.
While rainfall amounts look minimal, the combination of clouds and light precipitation could slow travel, especially with increased holiday traffic.
Christmas Week Forecast: Mild and Mostly Dry
One of the biggest headlines in the forecast is the warm Christmas outlook. Current data strongly suggests that Knoxville will experience a green Christmas instead of a white one this year.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is expected to be mostly cloudy but dry. Morning temperatures will start in the upper 40s, which is much warmer than average. By afternoon, highs will climb close to 60°F.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day itself looks even warmer. Morning lows will stay in the upper 40s to low 50s, with afternoon highs reaching the low to mid-60s.
For comparison, the average high temperature in Knoxville around Christmas is about 49°F, with average lows near 32°F. This means temperatures will run 10 to 15 degrees above normal.
Rain chances currently appear low, making it a favorable forecast for holiday gatherings, travel, and outdoor activities.
Extended Outlook: Late December Stays Mild
After Christmas, mild air continues to dominate the region. High temperatures could reach the upper 60s to near 70°F toward the end of the month. Clouds will remain common, and scattered showers may return at times, especially during the mornings.
While it won’t be sunny every day, the overall pattern points toward a milder-than-normal finish to December for East Tennessee.
Travel and Safety Tips
- Secure outdoor decorations and loose items before tonight’s strong winds
- Dress warmly Friday due to breezy and cold conditions
- Watch for frost Friday night and early Saturday morning
- Expect heavier traffic early next week with possible drizzle
- Enjoy favorable travel weather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Final Weather Summary for Knoxville
- 🌧️ Tonight: Rain, strong winds, isolated thunder
- 🧥 Friday: Cooler, breezy, highs in the low 40s
- ❄️ Friday Night: Cold, lows in the upper 20s
- ☀️ Weekend: Sunny, dry, and milder
- 🎄 Christmas: Warm, cloudy, and mostly dry
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Knoxville will experience a brief stretch of unsettled and cooler weather, but conditions improve quickly. A warm and dry Christmas now looks very likely, bringing pleasant holiday weather across East Tennessee.
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