Basically, if you’re planning a trip to the Scenic City or just trying to figure out if you can finally take the dog for a real walk without freezing, the extended weather Chattanooga TN is a bit of a mixed bag right now. Honestly, January here is moody. One minute it’s 27°F and clear, and the next you’re looking at rain and a sudden jump in humidity that makes the air feel heavy.
Right now, we're sitting at a crisp 27°F. It feels like 23°F because of a light northwest wind. It’s a dry kind of cold, with humidity around 48%.
What’s actually happening this week
Most people think Tennessee winters are mild. Kinda. Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, we’re looking at a high of 49°F, which sounds decent, but there’s a 45% chance of light rain and snow in the evening. It’s that sloppy, wet mix that makes the roads a mess.
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Then, Saturday kicks in with 47°F and some sun. It’s perfect for the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour or just hitting the Riverwalk if you don't mind a 13 mph breeze.
Sunday and Monday? Sunny but cold. We’re talking highs of 39°F and lows dipping down to 18°F by Monday night. You’ve gotta keep the faucets dripping when it gets that low.
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The long-range reality
Looking further out, the extended weather Chattanooga TN forecast shows a warming trend toward the end of next week. By Friday, January 23, we could hit 55°F. But—and there's always a but—that comes with a 45% chance of rain.
- Jan 20: Sunny, high of 40°F, low of 18°F.
- Jan 21: Clouds move in, high of 50°F.
- Jan 22: Light rain, high 48°F.
- Jan 24: High of 57°F, mostly cloudy.
How to actually dress for this
Don't be the person in a t-shirt just because it's 50°F at noon. In Chattanooga, the shade of Lookout Mountain or the wind off the Tennessee River can drop the "feels like" temp by ten degrees in a heartbeat.
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Layers are your best friend. Start with a moisture-wicking base because if you sweat while hiking Stringers Ridge and then stop, that 30-degree air will turn you into an icicle. Bring a weather-resistant shell for those light rain/snow mixes we’re seeing for the 16th and 22nd.
Why the forecast changes so fast
Chattanooga sits in a bowl. The Tennessee Valley traps moisture and cold air differently than the surrounding plateau. This is why the extended weather Chattanooga TN often looks different than what you see for Nashville or Knoxville.
We get these "micro-climates." It might be snowing on Signal Mountain while it’s just a cold drizzle downtown. If you're heading to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Zoo tonight, it’s clear and cold—perfect for photos, but bring the heavy gloves.
Practical Next Steps
Check the humidity levels specifically if you have respiratory issues; it’s swinging from 26% to 74% this week. If you’re planning outdoor activities for the 24th, keep an eye on the 40% rain chance, as that’s usually when the "Scenic City" gets its famous fog. For now, prep for those 18°F nights on Monday and Tuesday by checking your outdoor pipes and bringing in any sensitive plants.