Dense Fog, Mother’s Day Weekend Rain, and Summertime Heat Ahead

Today: Dense Fog Advisory with Clearing Skies
East Tennessee starts the day under a dense fog advisory, with visibility reduced to less than a quarter-mile in areas like Knoxville, Morristown, and the Smoky Mountains. Mild morning temperatures in the 50s create a damp, cool start, so drivers should exercise caution, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra travel time. As drier air settles in from the north, the fog will slowly lift, with skies gradually clearing through the day. Highs will reach the low to mid-70s, offering a pleasant, spring-like feel by afternoon.

Dew points will drop into the low 50s late afternoon and into the 40s overnight, bringing a refreshing, crisp atmosphere. The EastTNweather app is essential for tracking fog dissipation and clearing skies, providing real-time updates to ensure safe travel and outdoor plans. The mild temperatures make today ideal for afternoon activities like hiking in Ijams Nature Center, visiting the Knoxville Zoo, or exploring Gatlinburg’s scenic charm. Dress in layers for the cool morning and comfortable afternoon, and enjoy the refreshing air as East Tennessee transitions to clearer conditions.

Saturday: Great Weather for Mother’s Day Weekend Kickoff
Saturday looks promising for the start of Mother’s Day weekend, with dry weather and filtered sunshine as mid to high clouds stream in from a storm system to the south. Highs will reach the low 70s, creating a comfortable setting for outdoor activities across East Tennessee. The dry conditions and mild temperatures are perfect for planning Mother’s Day weekend events, such as picnics in Tyson Park, hiking in Cades Cove, or visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

The EastTNweather platform, including the app and streaming options on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, will keep you updated on Saturday’s pleasant weather. The filtered sunshine, caused by high clouds, won’t dampen outdoor plans but may create a softer light, ideal for photography in the Smoky Mountains or outdoor dining in Knoxville’s Market Square. Use the EastTNweather app’s hourly forecasts to plan your day, ensuring you maximize the dry weather before rain chances increase on Sunday. Saturday’s great conditions reflect East Tennessee’s vibrant spring climate, offering a perfect start to the holiday weekend.

Mother’s Day Sunday: Cloudy Skies and Rain Chances
Mother’s Day Sunday brings mostly cloudy skies and a chance for rain, particularly south of I-40 in areas like Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens. Latest model guidance suggests showers and possibly storms, but high pressure to the north and dry air in place may limit rainfall during the day. As of now, Mike Witcher estimates the greatest rain chance south of I-40, with lighter, more scattered showers possible in Knoxville, Morristown, and the Smoky Mountains. Highs will remain in the low 70s, maintaining a mild, spring-like feel.

The EastTNweather platform’s real-time alerts and interactive radar are critical for tracking Sunday’s rain, especially for Mother’s Day brunches or outdoor events in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. Check back with the platform for updates, as the extent of rainfall remains uncertain. Indoor venues, like the East Tennessee History Center or the Knoxville Museum of Art, are great backups for rainy periods, while the mild temperatures allow for short outdoor activities between showers. The EastTNweather app’s customizable notifications will help you plan around rain, ensuring a memorable Mother’s Day weekend.

Sunday Night through Tuesday: Heavy Rain and Storms
From Sunday night into Monday and Tuesday, an upper-level low tracking north along the Mississippi River Valley will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to East Tennessee. The Weather Prediction Center and latest model guidance indicate at least an inch of rainfall, with the heaviest amounts south of I-40 in areas like Chattanooga and Cleveland. Thunderstorms may bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, with a low risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas. Highs will stay in the low to mid-70s, with increasing humidity making the air feel stickier.

The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV provide detailed insights from Mike Witcher, helping you prepare for this wetter pattern. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor for ponding on roads, though widespread flooding is unlikely. The app’s radar and alerts are perfect for timing outdoor activities, such as commuting or hiking in the Smokies, to avoid heavy rain. Indoor options, like visiting Jonesborough’s historic charm or Dollywood’s indoor attractions, are ideal during stormy periods, ensuring you stay dry while enjoying East Tennessee’s spring offerings.

Beyond Tuesday: Summertime Heat Returns
Beyond Tuesday, a ridge of high pressure will build over East Tennessee, bringing back summertime heat with highs climbing into the low to mid-80s. The warmer, sunnier conditions will create a summer-like vibe, perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking on the Tennessee River, exploring the Knoxville Botanical Garden, or hiking in the Cumberland Plateau. Dew points may rise slightly, but the air will remain comfortable compared to the humid storms earlier in the week.

The EastTNweather platform will keep you updated as this warmer pattern develops, ensuring you’re prepared for any shifts in the forecast. The app’s hourly forecasts are ideal for planning midweek activities, while streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the changing weather. The return of summertime heat highlights East Tennessee’s dynamic spring climate, where cool, rainy periods often give way to warm, sunny days, offering endless opportunities for adventure