Happy Memorial Day, East Tennessee! On this Monday, May 26, 2025, at 8:23 AM EDT, we mark the unofficial start of summer with clouds and light rain, but more importantly, we pause to honor our fallen soldiers who sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you for joining us as we reflect on this solemn occasion while navigating the week’s weather. From the vibrant streets of Knoxville to the serene Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged Cumberland Plateau, today’s showers give way to a brief break before more rain arrives tonight, continuing an off-and-on wet pattern through Wednesday. The EastTNweather platform, led by meteorologist Mike Witcher, delivers hyper-local updates via its app, website, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV to keep you prepared.
Memorial Day: Light Rain with a Brief Break
Memorial Day starts with light rain across East Tennessee, particularly south of I-40 in areas like Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, as expected from the latest disturbance. Morning temperatures hover in the 60s, with muggy dew points in the mid-60s and cloudy skies limiting sunshine. Showers will taper off through the morning, with the cloud deck lifting by midday, possibly allowing a splash of sunshine in Knoxville, Morristown, or the Smoky Mountains. Highs will reach the low to mid-70s, about 10 degrees below the seasonal average of 81°F. While not ideal for lake days, the light rain won’t significantly disrupt holiday plans, making it a great day for indoor or covered outdoor activities.
The EastTNweather app is your essential tool, with its interactive radar tracking morning showers and pinpointing dry windows. Plan Memorial Day barbecues or ceremonies under tents in Knoxville’s Tyson Park or Chattanooga’s riverfront, and consider indoor venues like the East Tennessee History Center or the Tennessee Aquarium for afternoon gatherings. Another disturbance arrives late tonight, bringing more rain after sunset, heaviest south of I-40, but it’s unlikely to impact daily activities. Use the app’s hyper-local forecasts to time outdoor plans, such as Smoky Mountain hikes or Pigeon Forge outings, during the midday break. This manageable rain keeps the holiday spirit alive with proper preparation.
Tuesday: Off-and-On Rain with Increasing Flood Concerns
As we return to reality on Tuesday, the off-and-on rain pattern continues. Lingering early morning showers, heaviest south of I-40 in Chattanooga and Cleveland, will give way to a mostly dry day with cloudy skies. Rain chances increase through the afternoon and evening, with moderate to heavy showers possible, adding 0.5-1 inch of rainfall in southern areas. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Sevierville, expect lighter, scattered showers. Highs remain in the low to mid-70s, with muggy dew points in the upper 60s fueling the wet conditions. The repeated rainfall over multiple days raises concerns for flooding and flash flooding, particularly in saturated areas south of I-40.
The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for Tuesday’s wet forecast, while the app’s radar tracks shower intensity. Monitor low-lying areas in Chattanooga or the Cumberland Plateau for potential flooding, and avoid driving through flooded roads. Plan indoor activities like visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art or Dollywood’s indoor attractions during heavier evening rain, using the app to find dry windows for commutes or short hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The app’s alerts ensure you stay safe, making Tuesday’s rain manageable with vigilance.
Wednesday: A Cold Front Brings More Rain
Wednesday continues the wet trend as a cold front swings through, bringing another round of showers and possible thunderstorms. South of I-40, including Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, will see the heaviest rain, with an additional 0.5-1 inch possible, pushing seven-day rainfall totals over 2 inches, potentially nearing 2.5 inches in southern areas. North of I-40, Knoxville and Morristown will catch lighter showers, with more dry breaks. Highs hold in the mid-70s, with muggy conditions persisting until the front passes. The repeated rain heightens flood risks, especially in flood-prone southern valleys.
The EastTNweather app’s interactive radar is critical for tracking Wednesday’s rain, with push notifications alerting you to heavy showers or thunderstorms. Plan indoor tasks like visiting Jonesborough’s historic sites or the Tennessee Aquarium during peak rain, and use the app to time outdoor activities in Gatlinburg or the Cumberland Plateau during dry spells. The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, helping you prepare for the front’s impact. Stay alert for flash flooding south of I-40, and check the app for real-time flood warnings. The cold front’s passage sets the stage for cooler days ahead.
Thursday and Friday: Cooler and Below Average
Behind Wednesday’s cold front, cooler air settles in for Thursday and Friday, with highs dropping to the mid-70s, below the seasonal average of 81°F. Lows will dip into the 50s, with dew points falling to the low 60s, creating a less muggy feel. Scattered showers may linger early Thursday, particularly south of I-40, but drier conditions and increasing sunshine will prevail by Friday. This cooler, drier stretch is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in the Cumberland Plateau, kayaking on the Tennessee River, or attending festivals in Pigeon Forge.
The EastTNweather app’s forecasts ensure you maximize these cooler days, with streaming updates on YouTube and Roku providing context for the refreshing pattern. Plan Friday outings to Chattanooga’s riverfront or Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park, with the app confirming dry conditions. Dress in layers for chilly mornings in the Smoky Mountains or Morristown, and use the app to monitor any early Thursday showers. This below-average weather offers a crisp end to May, showcasing East Tennessee’s springtime versatility.
End of May: Staying Below Average
As we round out May, temperatures remain below average, with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the 50s through the weekend. Dry conditions are likely by Saturday, ideal for outdoor plans like picnics in Knoxville or hikes in the Smoky Mountains, though a weak disturbance could bring isolated showers by Sunday. The EastTNweather platform’s long-range forecasts will clarify the month’s end, with the app’s alerts ensuring you stay ahead of any rain. The cooler-than-normal close to May reflects East Tennessee’s dynamic spring, where weather shifts keep residents adaptable.
The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, helping you plan end-of-month events in Chattanooga or Sevierville. The below-average temperatures offer a comfortable setting for wrapping up May, with the app’s precision keeping your plans vibrant. Whether visiting the Knoxville Zoo or exploring the Cumberland Plateau, use the app to seize sunny days and prepare for occasional showers, ensuring a strong finish to the month.
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE 7 DAY FORECAST
Looking past the 7 Day Forecast, the Climate Prediction Center has issues a forecast based on probabilities.
These maps don’t show you how far above or below, but rather an idea of how strong the signal is.
Why eastTNweather is Your Weather Partner
East Tennessee’s spring weather is a vibrant mix of rainy waves, cool fronts, and sunny breaks, and this Memorial Day week’s wet pattern captures its dynamic spirit. The EastTNweather platform, led by Mike Witcher, surpasses traditional TV by delivering hyper-local, weather-focused updates via the app, website, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV. With real-time interactive radar, customizable alerts, and engaging video forecasts, the platform ensures you’re ready for every shower or dry moment.
EastTNweather fosters a community connection, answering questions on social media about flood risks, Memorial Day plans, or temperature trends, keeping residents from Knoxville to Chattanooga prepared. Whether you’re a camper in the Smoky Mountains or a commuter in Sevierville, the platform’s precision keeps your plans safe, especially during wet and flood-prone weeks. Download the app at easttnweather.com and join East Tennessee’s dedicated weather community, staying ready for every rainy or sunny day.
Tips to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Week
East Tennessee’s spring is a lively season, with lush landscapes and a calendar packed with Memorial Day events. Here are tailored tips to navigate this week’s weather:
- Plan Memorial Day Smartly: Use dry midday windows for Knoxville barbecues or Smoky Mountain hikes, tracked via the EastTNweather app’s radar. Plan indoor backups like the Tennessee Aquarium for evening rain.
- Monitor Tuesday’s Showers: Expect moderate to heavy evening rain south of I-40. Use the app to time Chattanooga commutes or Pigeon Forge outings, and watch for flooding.
- Stay Alert Wednesday: Track heavy showers with the app’s alerts, heaviest in Cleveland. Plan indoor tasks in Knoxville or use dry breaks for Cumberland Plateau hikes.
- Embrace Thursday-Friday’s Cool: Enjoy mid-70s for riverfront outings in Chattanooga or festivals in Sevierville. Check the app for early Thursday showers south of I-40.
- Honor and Prepare: Reflect on Memorial Day’s meaning while staying safe with the EastTNweather platform’s daily updates, keeping holiday and week plans adaptable.
East Tennessee’s Spring Spirit
East Tennessee’s spring is a heartfelt blend of rainy days, cool breezes, and moments of reflection, shaped by the Tennessee Valley’s embrace between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Plateau. This Memorial Day’s wet weather, followed by a cool, below-average end to May, pulses with the region’s resilient spirit. From Knoxville’s urban vibrancy to the Smoky Mountains’ tranquil beauty, the weather invites residents to honor our fallen heroes while adapting to rainy days and savoring dry moments.
The journey from low 70s and rain to a crisp, below-average finish offers a chance to embrace East Tennessee’s dynamic climate. The EastTNweather platform ensures you’re ready, delivering hyper-local precision to keep your plans on track. As we celebrate Memorial Day, let’s honor our heroes and make every moment count, rain or shine.