Knoxville Temperatures Climb Ahead of Incoming Showers

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Knoxville is set to experience a warm-up on Wednesday, with highs reaching the mid-60s and a slight chance of rain showers in the evening. Overnight, rain chances increase to around 50% with a low near 58°F. Thursday brings the warmest temperatures of the stretch, with highs in the low to mid 70s, but also a higher chance of scattered showers. The stronger push of rain, along with a few thunderstorms, is expected Thursday night into Friday morning as a cold front moves through.

Why it matters

The warm-up and incoming rain are part of a larger weather pattern shift in the region, with cooler and potentially wintry conditions expected to follow the frontal passage by the weekend. This serves as a reminder that spring weather can be highly variable, with rapid changes in temperature and precipitation.

The details

Wednesday's warm temperatures will be aided by southwest winds picking up to 10-15 mph with gusts near 30 mph. Any showers that develop overnight should stay on the lighter side, with new rainfall totals generally under one tenth of an inch. Thursday's scattered showers give way to a higher chance of rain and thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday morning as the cold front moves through. Behind the front, Friday trends cooler with highs near 69°F.

• Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Highs near 64°F, slight chance of rain showers in the evening.
• Wednesday night, February 18, 2026: Rain chances around 50%, low near 58°F.
• Thursday, February 19, 2026: Highs in the low to mid 70s, scattered showers possible.
• Thursday night into Friday morning, February 19-20, 2026: 80% chance of heavier rain and a few thunderstorms.

What’s next

Behind the cold front, Friday trends cooler with highs near 69°F, and the weekend brings a more significant cool-down with highs only in the 40s and a chance of light snow in the highest elevations.