Spotty Showers Today, Strong Storms Possible Friday, and a Sunny Weekend Ahead

Happy Friday-Eve, East Tennessee!
On this Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7:18 AM EDT, we’re kicking off the day with spotty showers and a humid vibe, but the promise of a sunny, warm weekend keeps spirits high. From the lively streets of Knoxville to the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged Cumberland Plateau, today’s scattered showers give way to a dynamic Friday with potential strong to severe storms in Upper East Tennessee, followed by a warm, mostly dry weekend. 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. 

Thursday: Spotty Showers and Humid Heat
Thursday starts with a few spotty showers moving from southwest to northeast across East Tennessee, particularly in areas like Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens south of I-40. Morning temperatures begin in the 60s, with dew points in the mid to upper 60s creating a sticky, humid feel. Showers will likely fill in through the day, becoming more widespread by afternoon, so keep an umbrella handy for intermittent rain. Despite the showers, highs will climb to the mid to upper 80s, above the seasonal average of 63°F, making it feel warm and summery. Rainfall amounts will be light, under 0.5 inches, so no major disruptions are expected, but the humidity will be noticeable.

The EastTNweather app is your essential tool for tracking these showers, with its interactive radar pinpointing their movement. North of I-40, including Knoxville, Morristown, and the Smoky Mountains, expect fewer showers and more dry breaks, ideal for morning outings like a hike in Cades Cove or a coffee run in Knoxville’s Market Square. South of I-40, plan indoor activities like visiting the Tennessee Aquarium during heavier afternoon showers in Chattanooga. The app’s hyper-local forecasts help you time evening plans in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, dodging rain for outdoor dining or strolls. This manageable rain keeps your Thursday plans flexible with the right preparation.

Friday: Scattered Showers and Potential Severe Storms
Friday brings more of the same wet pattern as a cold front and low-pressure system drift through, producing mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and storms. Highs will remain in the mid to upper 80s, with muggy dew points in the upper 60s fueling storm development. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for severe storms in Upper East Tennessee, including areas like Johnson City, Kingsport, and Morristown, where strong storms could produce damaging winds (up to 60 mph) or small hail. South of I-40, in Chattanooga and Cleveland, expect non-severe showers and storms, with rainfall adding 0.5-1 inch in some spots.

The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for Friday’s storm potential, while the app’s radar tracks shower and storm locations. In Upper East Tennessee, ensure severe weather alerts are enabled on the app, and identify a safe shelter spot for potential strong storms. Plan indoor backups like the East Tennessee History Center or Dollywood’s indoor attractions during peak storm hours, especially in Morristown or Kingsport. South of I-40, use the app to find dry windows for outdoor tasks in Sevierville or short hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The app’s alerts keep you safe, ensuring Friday’s weather doesn’t derail your plans.

Weekend Outlook: Warmer Sunshine Returns
The weekend brings a welcome shift as high pressure builds in, ushering in warmer sunshine and mostly dry conditions. Saturday starts with morning lows in the 60s and highs reaching the upper 70s to low 80s, aligning with the seasonal average of 81°F. Clearer skies and slightly lower dew points in the low 60s create a comfortable, summery feel, perfect for outdoor activities across East Tennessee. Sunday maintains this trend, with similar temperatures and a chance for a few afternoon showers or storms, though Mike Witcher expects minimal impact (under 0.25 inches of rain). The sunny weekend is ideal for kicking off the summer season.

The EastTNweather app’s forecasts ensure you maximize this sunny weekend, with streaming updates providing a broader outlook. Plan hikes in the Cumberland Plateau, picnics at Knoxville’s Tyson Park, or festivals in Pigeon Forge, with the app confirming mostly dry conditions. Chattanooga’s riverfront or Gatlinburg’s scenic trails are great spots for Sunday outings, and the app’s radar monitors any stray afternoon showers. The warm, sunny weekend offers a vibrant contrast to the midweek rain, showcasing East Tennessee’s spring-to-summer transition and inviting residents to soak up the sunshine.

Next Week: June Weather Brings Warmth and Humidity
As we move into early June, the weather starts to feel like summer, with highs climbing into the low to mid-80s and higher humidity due to dew points in the mid to upper 60s. Expect more sunshine, with occasional afternoon showers or storms typical of June, adding light rainfall (under 0.5 inches). The stable, warm pattern is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking on the Tennessee River, visiting the Knoxville Zoo, or attending outdoor concerts in Chattanooga. The EastTNweather platform’s long-range forecasts will refine this outlook, with the app’s alerts keeping you ahead of any showers.

The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the summer-like forecast, helping you plan commutes in Morristown or outdoor events in the Smoky Mountains. The low to mid-80s and increased sunshine offer a great start to June, with the app’s precision ensuring your plans stay vibrant. Whether exploring Jonesborough’s historic charm or hiking in Sevierville, use the app to seize sunny days and prepare for occasional showers, ensuring a smooth start to the summer season.