If you’ve ever tried to plan a hike at Frozen Head or just wanted to know if you needed a heavy coat for a quick run to the store in town, you’ve probably noticed something. The weather for Wartburg Tennessee is a bit of a localized rebel.
Basically, Wartburg sits at about 1,322 feet in elevation, but it's hugged by mountains that shoot up over 3,300 feet. That 2,000-foot difference creates a microclimate that makes generic weather apps look pretty silly. Honestly, what’s happening on Main Street is rarely what’s happening at the top of the Fire Tower.
The Current Chill in the Air
Right now, as of early Friday morning, January 16, 2026, it is 20°F in Wartburg. It feels a lot colder than that, though. With the wind coming from the southeast at 10 mph, the feels-like temperature is a biting 9°F.
The sky is a solid wall of clouds. Humidity is sitting at 67%, which adds that damp, bone-deep chill East Tennessee is famous for in the winter. While it's dry at this exact moment, there is a 10% chance of snow later this morning.
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What the Next Few Days Look Like
Today, we’re looking at a high of 41°F with cloudy skies. Don't let that afternoon "warmth" fool you. Tonight, things get messy. There is a 65% chance of rain and snow as the temperature drops back down to 18°F.
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, brings a bit of a break with partly sunny skies and a high of 39°F. If you’re heading out, Sunday and Monday are going to be bright and clear but freezing. We’re talking highs of 30°F and 31°F, respectively.
By Tuesday, January 20, the low is forecasted to hit a brutal 10°F. You'll definitely want to wrap your pipes and keep the faucet dripping that night.
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The Frozen Head Factor
One thing most people get wrong about the weather for Wartburg Tennessee is ignoring the "elevation tax." Locals know that if you’re heading into the state park, you have to subtract at least 5 to 7 degrees from the town forecast.
"Frozen Head up top is some noteworthy wind chill. I was up there early spring one year overnight and I think that's the coldest my toes have ever been." — Local insight from the Tennessee outdoor community.
The wind over the ridges can be ridiculous. Even when it’s just a light breeze in town, the gusts at the higher elevations can make a 30-degree day feel like sub-zero.
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Seasonal Patterns You Should Actually Expect
Wartburg gets wet. Historically, the area sees about 53 to 64 inches of precipitation a year.
- Winter: Short and very cold. January is usually the gloomiest month, with overcast skies about 55% of the time.
- Spring: This is the rainiest season, especially May. Temperatures swing wildly from 50°F to the high 70s.
- Summer: Muggy. Very muggy. July hits highs around 85°F, but the 90%+ humidity makes it feel like you're walking through soup.
- Fall: Generally the most pleasant time. September is the clearest month, with sunny skies about 65% of the time.
Quick Weather Reference for Wartburg
| Condition | Value (Jan 16, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Current Temp | 20°F |
| Wind | 10 mph SE |
| Humidity | 67% |
| UV Index | 0 |
| Today's High | 41°F |
| Tonight's Low | 18°F |
Actionable Steps for Staying Prepared
If you live here or are just visiting, stop relying on the default weather app on your phone. It usually pulls data from airport stations in Knoxville or Oak Ridge, which doesn't account for the Cumberland Plateau's terrain.
- Check the "Feels Like": In Wartburg, the humidity and wind direction (usually from the south or west) mean the raw temperature is a lie. Always dress for the wind chill.
- Layer for Frozen Head: If you’re hiking, use the "7-degree rule." If Wartburg says it's 45°F, assume the peak is 38°F and windy.
- Prepare for Ice: Because of the elevation and moisture, "wintry mix" (that lovely combo of rain, sleet, and snow) is more common here than pure snow. Keep a bag of salt or sand in your trunk during January and February.
- Watch the Tuesday Low: With a 10°F low coming up this week, make sure your outdoor pets have insulated shelter and your heating system is checked.
The weather for Wartburg Tennessee changes fast. One minute it's a sunny winter morning, and the next, a cloud bank rolls off the mountains and you're in the middle of a flurry. Stay weather-aware and always keep a spare hoodie in the truck.