As we kick off Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 9:25 AM EDT, East Tennessee is shifting into a wetter weather pattern that will carry us through Wednesday. While no single day will be a complete washout, the increasing rain chances, especially south of I-40, make it essential to stay informed. From the vibrant energy of Knoxville to the serene 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.
Saturday: Light Rain and Cloudy Skies
Saturday marks the start of a wetter trend, with light rain already sprinkling Chattanooga and more expected to move in from the west and southwest. Most of the rain will focus south of I-40, affecting areas like Cleveland, Athens, and the southern Cumberland Plateau, while Knoxville and Morristown may see lighter showers or stay mostly dry. Cloudy skies dominate all day, limiting sunshine and keeping highs in the low 70s, about 10 degrees below the seasonal average of 81°F. The cooler, overcast conditions make this a less-than-ideal lake day, but morning outdoor activities like hiking or camping remain pleasant.
The EastTNweather app is your essential tool, with its interactive radar tracking rain in real time. Plan morning adventures, such as a short hike in the Smoky Mountains or a visit to Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park, to avoid heavier afternoon showers. Campers in Gatlinburg or the Cumberland Plateau should pack rain gear and prioritize morning outings. The app’s hyper-local forecasts ensure you know exactly when and where rain will hit, helping you stay dry south of I-40. Keep an umbrella handy for evening plans in Chattanooga, and use the app to seize any dry windows for outdoor fun.
Sunday: More Rain, Still Not a Washout
Sunday brings another wave of moisture, with a bit more rain expected compared to Saturday, particularly south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and along the Cumberland Plateau. Showers will likely start in the morning and continue intermittently through the day, though no widespread heavy rain is forecast. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Sevierville, expect cloudy skies with lighter, scattered showers. Highs remain in the low 70s, keeping the cool, below-average feel, with muggy dew points in the low to mid-60s adding a sticky vibe.
The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for Sunday’s wetter forecast, while the app’s radar helps you time activities. Morning outings, like visiting the Knoxville Zoo or exploring Pigeon Forge’s attractions, are safer bets, with indoor backups like the East Tennessee History Center or the Tennessee Aquarium ready for afternoon showers. The app’s alerts ensure you stay ahead of rain, especially for campers or hikers in the Smoky Mountains. Sunday’s manageable rain keeps holiday plans alive with proper planning and the right tools.
Memorial Day Monday: Wettest Day of the Weekend But Mainly Late
Memorial Day Monday ramps up the rain, making it the wettest day of the holiday weekend. Showers and storms will be more widespread, with south of I-40 again seeing the brunt in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland. Rainfall amounts of 0.5-1 inch are possible, contributing to a seven-day total of 1-2.5 inches, heaviest in southern areas. Highs inch up to the mid-70s, with muggy dew points in the upper 60s fueling the wet pattern. While not a total washout, outdoor barbecues or lake trips in the Smoky Mountains or Knoxville will need flexible plans.
The EastTNweather app’s interactive radar is critical for tracking Monday’s rain, with push notifications alerting you to heavier showers. Indoor venues, such as Dollywood’s indoor attractions, the Tennessee Aquarium, or Chattanooga’s Hunter Museum, are perfect backups for holiday gatherings. North of I-40, Knoxville and Morristown may see lighter rain, offering brief windows for outdoor activities like a quick picnic at Tyson Park—use the app to find them. Check the platform’s streaming updates for the latest holiday forecast, ensuring your Memorial Day plans stay safe and enjoyable despite the rain.
Tuesday through Wednesday: The Wet Pattern Continues
The wet weather persists into Tuesday and Wednesday, with off-and-on showers and storms driven by a lingering low-pressure system. Rainfall will remain heaviest south of I-40, with Chattanooga and Cleveland potentially adding another 0.5-1 inch to the weekly total. North of I-40, including Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains, expect scattered showers with more dry breaks. Highs will hold in the mid-70s, with muggy conditions due to upper 60s dew points. By late Wednesday, the wet pattern may start to ease, setting the stage for a return to seasonal averages (81°F) by the end of the week.
The EastTNweather app’s alerts and radar keep you prepared, helping you plan commutes in Morristown or outdoor work in the Cumberland Plateau around showers. Indoor activities, like visiting Jonesborough’s historic sites or the Knoxville Museum of Art, are smart for rainy periods, while the app’s forecasts help you seize dry moments for hikes in Gatlinburg. The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, ensuring you’re ready for the week’s end. The persistent rain underscores East Tennessee’s active spring, where adaptability is key to thriving.
End of the Week: Warming Back to Average
By Thursday and Friday, the wet pattern begins to fade, with highs warming to the upper 70s and low 80s, aligning with the seasonal average of 81°F. Scattered showers may linger early Thursday, particularly south of I-40, but drier air will gradually move in, bringing more sunshine. The EastTNweather platform’s long-range forecasts will clarify this transition, with the app’s alerts ensuring you stay ahead of any residual rain. This warming trend is ideal for resuming outdoor activities, like kayaking on the Tennessee River or attending festivals in Pigeon Forge, with the app confirming dry conditions.
The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the return to normalcy, helping you plan end-of-week events in Chattanooga or the Smoky Mountains. The shift to seasonal temperatures offers a vibrant close to a wet week, reflecting East Tennessee’s ability to balance rainy spells with sunny recoveries. Use the app to maximize sunny days, ensuring your plans stay on track as spring progresses.
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 Ally
East Tennessee’s spring weather is a lively mix of cool days, rainy spells, and warm recoveries, and this Memorial Day weekend’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 rain totals, holiday plans, or camping tips, 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 vibrant, especially during wet holiday weekends. Download the app at easttnweather.com and join East Tennessee’s dedicated weather community, staying ready for every rainy or sunny day.
Tip to Stay Prepared and Enjoy the Week
East Tennessee’s spring is a vibrant season, with lush landscapes and a calendar packed with holiday events. Here are tailored tips to navigate this week’s weather:
- Plan Saturday Morning Outings: Seize dry mornings for Smoky Mountain hikes or Knoxville picnics. Use the EastTNweather app’s radar to track light rain south of I-40 by afternoon.
- Prepare for Sunday’s Rain: Schedule morning activities in Chattanooga or the Cumberland Plateau, with indoor backups like the Tennessee Aquarium for afternoon showers.
- Backup Memorial Day Plans: Plan indoor venues like Dollywood’s attractions for Monday’s widespread rain. Check the app for dry windows in Knoxville or Morristown.
- Stay Flexible Midweek: Expect off-and-on showers Tuesday-Wednesday, heaviest south. Use the app to time Gatlinburg hikes or Chattanooga commutes during dry breaks.
- Check Daily Updates: Monitor the EastTNweather platform for Memorial Day weekend and midweek rain updates, keeping holiday plans safe and adaptable.
East Tennessee’s Spring Vitality
East Tennessee’s spring is a vibrant tapestry of cloudy days, rainy spells, and cool breezes, shaped by the Tennessee Valley’s embrace between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Plateau. This Memorial Day weekend’s wet pattern, with light rain today and heavier showers ahead, pulses with the region’s lively energy. From Knoxville’s urban buzz to the Smoky Mountains’ misty allure, the weather invites residents to adapt and thrive, whether dodging showers or planning indoor holiday fun.
The shift from low 70s coolness to a soggy holiday and seasonal 80s by week’s end offers a chance to embrace East Tennessee’s dynamic spirit. The EastTNweather platform ensures you’re ready, delivering hyper-local precision to keep your plans on track. As we navigate this wet Memorial Day weekend, let’s make every dry moment count.