East Tennessee Prepares for Milder, Snowier Winter in 2025-26

As of October 18, 2025, the upcoming winter season in East Tennessee is expected to bring milder temperatures, according to the National Weather Service and the Old Farmer's Almanac. The region has a 33% to 40% chance of experiencing warmer-than-average temperatures in December, January, and February.

While the overall winter outlook for East Tennessee is predicted to be mild, the Appalachian regions may see more snowfall than usual. The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts that "most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures, but from the Appalachians south through the Southeast and Florida, and westward across the Ohio Valley, we're predicting a colder-than-normal winter."

The first frost in the greater Knoxville area is typically expected around October 24, while the first freeze of the year typically occurs on November 2. However, the upcoming winter season may bring these events slightly earlier or later than the historical averages.