Thu Jan 15 12:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Cold Front Bringing Snow and Bitter Temperatures to Knoxville and East Tennessee
The Story:
A significant cold front is poised to impact Knoxville and East Tennessee, bringing a mix of light rain, snow, and drastically colder temperatures. The forecast predicts rain turning to wet snowflakes between 4 PM and 8 PM today, particularly in the mountains. Mountain areas are under Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings, with expected snowfall of 2-5 inches in higher elevations and up to 8 inches on the highest peaks. A dusting to an inch of snow is possible in the foothills and parts of the Cumberland Plateau.
Following the initial snowfall, a First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Thursday due to bitter cold, with highs in the 30s but feeling like the teens and single digits. Overnight lows will plummet into the teens and 20s. The unseasonably cold weather is expected to persist through the weekend, with highs remaining in the 30s to near 40 and lows in the 20s, with the possibility of passing rain or snow showers.
Key Points:
- A cold front is moving into Knoxville and East Tennessee today, January 15, 2026.
- Rain will transition to snow between 4 PM and 8 PM today, especially in the mountains.
- Mountain areas are under Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings.
- Snowfall of 2-5 inches is expected in higher mountain elevations, with peaks potentially seeing up to 8 inches.
- Thursday will be a First Alert Weather Day with bitter cold: highs in the 30s, feeling like the teens, and overnight lows in the teens and 20s.
- Unseasonably cold weather will persist through the weekend, with possible rain or snow showers.
Key Takeaways:
- East Tennessee is bracing for a significant shift to winter weather conditions.
- Mountain travel could be hazardous due to accumulating snow.
- Residents should prepare for extremely cold temperatures, especially on Thursday.
- The unseasonably cold weather is expected to last through the weekend.
First Piper 