East Tennessee’s Early April Forecast: Frost Advisory and Rainy Week Ahead

The National Weather Service in Morristown issued a Frost Advisory late Saturday night for sections of east Tennessee, warning homeowners that temperatures as low as 33 degrees might injure sensitive outdoor plants.

The alert is in effect until 9 a.m. EDT Sunday, with frost likely to build in the early morning hours.

Following a chilly start, the weather is expected to brighten with a high near 72 during the day and light east winds in the afternoon; however, there is a slight chance of rain after midnight, which should not bother most people, but gardeners, take note: cover up your fragile greens before you go to bed.

According to projections, the rest of the week will be a rollercoaster of showers and possible thunderstorms, with a major weather system expected to approach the region on Thursday, bringing strong southeast winds, particularly to the higher ground in the East Tennessee mountains.

Monday could begin with a 30 percent chance of morning showers, followed by a partly sunny afternoon with gusts of up to 20 mph, while Tuesday is likely to see more rain, primarily between mid-morning and afternoon.

Wet conditions are expected to persist throughout the week, culminating in an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday night and Thursday.

“Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered,” warns the NWS, emphasizing the importance of protective measures for vegetation during these early April frosts. Tuesday through Thursday, however, will warrant a switch from plant protection to possibly breaking out the rain boots and umbrellas, with the likelihood of showers increasing significantly peaking on Thursday when showers and possibly a thunderstorm are expected to create a breezy and wet climate.

The week is expected to end with fewer showers by Friday, paving the way for a sunny and clearer weekend with highs returning to around 75 degrees.