An incoming cold front might catch some area residents by surprise after recent spring-like weather comes to an end this weekend and temps start heading down into the low-20s by mid-week.
Temperatures will begin dropping after showers predicted for Saturday end and a cold front takes aim, according to WRCB-TV Channel 3 chief meteorologist Paul Barys.
“South winds will continue for Saturday and by afternoon showers will start to move in,” Barys said Friday in his weather blog. “Highs will be in the low 50s. Showers will end Saturday evening and colder air will dive down along with a northwest wind of 10 to 15 mph.”
“Sunday will see the return of sunshine but highs will actually be below normal and in the mid-40s, along with a northwest wind making it feel colder,” Barys said.
According to National Weather Service climate data for Chattanooga, average highs for Jan. 18, 19 and 20 are 50 degrees and lows for the same period average 31, and average temps are a degree or two warmer than that for later in the month.