Good morning and Happy Friday.
Welcome to the first day of spring, which officially arrives at 10:46 this morning. Thanks for checking in with your East Tennessee morning weather update. After a high of 68 degrees yesterday, the warming trend is now underway and will continue through the weekend with temperatures climbing well above average.
Let’s break down what to expect as we kick off spring across the Tennessee Valley.
Spring Arrives with a Warming Trend
The overall weather pattern is shifting in a big way. A strong ridge of high pressure anchored across the southwestern United States is beginning to expand eastward, and that is allowing warmer air to build into East Tennessee.
This setup will bring:
- Increasing temperatures
- Mostly dry conditions
- A spring-like feel heading into the weekend
Chilly Start, Warm and Breezy Finish Today
We are starting the morning off on the cooler side, but not as cold as previous days.
Morning temperatures are in the:
- 30s and 40s across the region
You’ll still want a light jacket early, but temperatures will warm quickly.
Friday Forecast
- Plenty of sunshine
- Breezy conditions with gusts 20 to 25 mph
- Afternoon highs in the 70s
Expected highs include:
- Chattanooga: near 78°
- Knoxville area: low 70s
- Jefferson County and surrounding areas: near 70°
Friday Evening Outlook
If you have plans this evening, conditions will remain very pleasant.
Temperatures will slowly fall:
- 72 degrees around 5 PM
- 69 degrees by 7 PM
- Mid 60s by 9 PM
A great night to be outdoors.
Saturday Brings Storm Chances
Saturday will start off warm and quiet, but attention turns to a weak disturbance moving through the region.
This system could trigger:
- Isolated afternoon showers
- A few thunderstorms late in the day
Most of the day will be dry, but storms may develop as we head into the afternoon and evening.
Saturday Timeline
- Morning to early afternoon: dry with sunshine
- Around 3 PM and later: isolated showers and storms possible
- Evening hours: scattered activity continues before fading overnight
Could Saturday Storms Become Strong?
There will be some energy in the atmosphere Saturday, which means a few storms could become stronger if they fully develop.
Potential impacts include:
- Gusty winds
- Small hail
Severe weather is not expected, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have outdoor plans.
Warm and Breezy Sunday Ahead of a Cold Front
Sunday will be the warmest day of the stretch as the ridge of high pressure fully takes hold.
Sunday Forecast
- Highs near 80 to 81 degrees
- Breezy conditions
- Increasing clouds late in the day
It will feel much more like late spring than early spring.
Cold Front Arrives Sunday Night into Monday
A cold front will move through the region Sunday night into early Monday.
This system will bring:
- A chance for light rain showers
- Increasing clouds
- A shift to cooler air behind the front
Rainfall looks light and scattered, with no significant impacts expected.
Have a great Thursday..
Cooler, More Seasonal Weather Next Week
Behind the cold front, temperatures will drop back closer to normal for this time of year.
Early Week Outlook
- Monday: light rain early, then clearing
- Tuesday and Wednesday: highs in the 60s
This will be a return to more typical March weather after a warm weekend.
Limited Rainfall in the Forecast
Rainfall over the next several days will remain limited.
- Saturday: isolated showers and storms
- Sunday night into Monday: light rain
- Overall totals: low
No widespread soaking rain is expected.
East Tennessee 7-Day Weather Outlook
- Friday: Sunny, breezy, highs in the low to mid 70s
- Saturday: Warm with isolated afternoon storms, highs mid to upper 70s
- Sunday: Warm and breezy, highs near 80
- Sunday Night: Light rain possible
- Monday: Cooler with clearing skies
- Tuesday: Seasonable with highs in the 60s
- Wednesday: Continued mild conditions
Final Thoughts
Spring is officially here, and the weather is starting to match the season. Expect a warm and breezy Friday, a very warm weekend, and just a few spotty chances for showers and storms along the way.
Enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures, and as always, keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans this weekend.
Have a great Friday.