Dangerously Cold Temperatures Return to Knoxville

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Dangerously cold temperatures are expected to settle into the Knoxville area on Sunday night and continue through Monday morning, with lows forecast to drop into the single digits and lower teens. Calm winds and clear skies will allow temperatures to plummet, and any leftover moisture from earlier melting is expected to refreeze, creating the potential for black ice and slick road conditions during the Monday morning commute.

Why it matters

Extreme cold can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and can also lead to property damage and disruptions to daily life. The threat of icy roads is also a major safety concern for drivers and pedestrians in the Knoxville area.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for the Knoxville region, warning of the dangerously cold temperatures expected overnight. Winds will be relatively calm, allowing temperatures to drop rapidly. In the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains, wind chill values could reach as low as -10 degrees. Any leftover moisture from earlier melting is expected to refreeze, creating the potential for black ice and slick road conditions that could make the Monday morning commute hazardous.

• Sunday night into early Monday morning: Frigid temperatures with lows in the single digits and lower teens.
• Monday morning: Temperatures will remain below freezing, with the potential for icy roads and hazardous travel conditions.
• Tuesday: Chances of rain showers return, with temperatures closer to average highs in the upper 40s.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential for icy roads and hazardous travel conditions throughout the overnight hours and into Monday morning.