A Wet Week Ahead with A Parade of Rain Before A Warmer Finish

It’s a wash, rinse, repeat forecast for East Tennessee this Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 9:37 AM EDT, but don’t worry—it’s not a total washout! A parade of mid-level atmospheric disturbances, or “waves,” will bring rounds of rain through Wednesday, piling up over 2 inches of rainfall, especially south of I-40. From the lively streets of Knoxville to the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged Cumberland Plateau, 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. 

Sunday: Sunshine Fades to Rain by Evening
Sunday starts with a split forecast across East Tennessee. North of I-40, including Knoxville, Morristown, and the Smoky Mountains, morning sunshine greets residents as one disturbance moves out. South of I-40, in areas like Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, clouds linger with a chance for light morning showers. As the day progresses, a second wave moves in, increasing and thickening clouds region-wide. Rain chances rise late afternoon but are more likely after sunset, with the heaviest rain targeting south of I-40. Highs will reach the low to mid-70s, about 10 degrees below the seasonal average of 81°F, with muggy dew points in the mid-60s.

The EastTNweather app is your go-to for tracking this wave, with its interactive radar pinpointing rain timing and intensity. Plan morning outdoor activities like hikes in Cades Cove or picnics at Knoxville’s Tyson Park, especially north of I-40, where sunshine lasts longer. South of I-40, keep an umbrella handy for afternoon and evening plans in Chattanooga or the Cumberland Plateau. The app’s hyper-local forecasts ensure you can dodge heavier rain, making it ideal for timing evening outings in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. This manageable rain sets the stage for the week’s wet pattern without ruining your Sunday.

Monday and Tuesday: More Waves, More Rain
The parade of waves continues Monday into Tuesday, bringing another round of showers and storms. Monday starts with cloudy skies and scattered morning showers, heaviest south of I-40 in Chattanooga and Cleveland, as the next disturbance promotes rising air. Rain will intensify through the day, with 0.5-1 inch possible in southern areas. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Sevierville, expect lighter, intermittent showers. Highs remain in the low to mid-70s, with muggy dew points in the upper 60s fueling the wet conditions. Tuesday follows a similar pattern, with showers continuing into Wednesday morning, adding to the rainfall totals.

The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for this wet stretch, while the app’s radar tracks each wave. For Memorial Day Monday, plan indoor backups like the Tennessee Aquarium or the East Tennessee History Center, especially south of I-40, where rain will be heaviest. North of I-40, brief dry windows may allow quick outings to the Knoxville Zoo or Smoky Mountain trails—use the app to find them. The app’s alerts keep you ahead of rain, ensuring safe commutes in Morristown or camping trips in the Cumberland Plateau. This wet pattern demands flexibility but won’t be a complete washout.

Wednesday: Wet Pattern Peaks, Then Fades
The wet weather peaks Tuesday night into Wednesday, with the final wave bringing more showers and possible thunderstorms. South of I-40, including Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, will see the heaviest rain, potentially adding another 0.5-1 inch. North of I-40, Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains will catch lighter showers, with more dry breaks. Total rainfall over the seven-day period could exceed 2 inches, with southern areas like Chattanooga nearing 2.5 inches. Highs hold in the mid-70s, with muggy conditions persisting due to upper 60s dew points.

The EastTNweather app’s interactive radar is crucial for tracking Wednesday’s rain, with push notifications alerting you to heavier showers. Plan indoor activities like visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art or Chattanooga’s Hunter Museum during peak rain, using the app to time outdoor tasks in Sevierville or hikes in Gatlinburg during dry spells. The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, helping you prepare for the wet peak. Monitor flood-prone areas south of I-40, where saturated soils may cause minor ponding. By late Wednesday, the wet pattern begins to ease, setting the stage for a drier end to the week.

End of the Week: Warmer and Drier
By Thursday and Friday, a ridge of high pressure gradually builds, reducing rain chances and warming temperatures back to seasonal averages. Highs will climb to the upper 70s and low 80s, aligning with the typical 81°F for late May. Scattered showers may linger early Thursday, particularly south of I-40, but drier air and increasing sunshine will dominate by Friday. This warming trend is perfect for resuming outdoor activities, from kayaking on the Tennessee River to attending festivals in Pigeon Forge or hiking in the Cumberland Plateau.

The EastTNweather platform’s long-range forecasts will confirm this drying trend, with the app’s alerts ensuring you stay ahead of any residual showers. Plan Friday outings like picnics in Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park or visits to Chattanooga’s riverfront, with the app’s forecasts guaranteeing sunny conditions. The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the warmer finish, helping you plan end-of-week events in the Smoky Mountains or Morristown. The return to seasonal normals offers a vibrant close to a wet week, showcasing East Tennessee’s springtime resilience.