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.
Next week's weather will buck those averages.
SEVEN-DAY FORECAST
SaturdayRain chance 90%High: 52 | Low: 41SundayMostly sunnyHigh: 45 | Low: 34MondayMostly sunnyHigh: 37 | Low: 24TuesdayMostly sunnyHigh: 40 | Low: 22WednesdayCloudyHigh: 44 | Low: 23ThursdayPartly cloudyHigh: 51 | Low: 30FridayMostly cloudy, 30% chance of rainHigh: 54 | Low: 40Source: WRCB-TV Channel 3 as of 9:37 p.m. Friday
Barys said Monday will remain mostly sunny and cold with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s, but sunshine will be "abundant."
"This cold trend will continue for Tuesday and Wednesday," Barys said.
As of Friday afternoon, WRCB's forecast for next week calls for a low of 22 on Tuesday, 23 on Wednesday and 30 on Thursday morning.
"By Thursday a few more clouds will move in with highs in the low 50s," Barys said. The forecast for next Friday now calls for a high of 52 and low of 29.
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton or at www.facebook.com/benbenton1.