KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – An Arctic Blast is bringing extreme cold, biting wind chills, and the possibility of snow to East Tennessee, prompting a First Alert Weather Day for Monday. Residents are advised to bundle up, as temperatures are expected to hover in the 30s throughout the day. However, the strong, gusty winds will make it feel significantly colder, resembling the temperatures typically found in the teens and twenties.
As conditions develop, a second round of snowfall is anticipated this afternoon and evening. While most accumulation will once again be concentrated in the mountains, new forecasts indicate that portions of the Cumberland Plateau and valley may experience heavier snow bands, potentially yielding additional flurries.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the region through 7 PM on Monday, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect for the mountainous areas of Cocke, Sevier, and Blount County lasting until Tuesday morning. Predictions suggest that the mountains could receive between 2 to 4 inches of snow, with higher elevations above 5,000 feet potentially seeing up to 8 inches, and possibly even a foot of snow by Tuesday morning.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, residents should brace for a hard freeze as overnight temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-20s. It’s a crucial reminder to safeguard outdoor plants and plumbing. By Tuesday afternoon, warmer weather will begin to emerge, with temperatures gradually climbing to the mid-40s.
The cold snap will be a short-lived event, as forecasts predict a warming trend, ultimately bringing temperatures into the low 60s by the week’s end under plenty of sunshine. This transition offers a hopeful outlook as the region can anticipate a return to milder weather soon.