Happy Fri-YAAAAAAY, East Tennessee!
On this June 13, 2025, at 8:19 AM EDT, we’re ringing in the weekend with a muggy start, some morning fog, and a forecast packed with afternoon storms. It’s got that summer sizzle, and we’re ready to dive into it! From the vibrant energy of Knoxville to the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged charm of the 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 weather-savvy.
Friday: It’s a Muggy, Foggy Start with Afternoon Storms
Friday kicks off with a mild, muggy morning, featuring patchy dense fog in low-lying areas like Sevierville, Cleveland, and along the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. Morning temperatures linger in the 60s, with dew points in the upper 60s creating a sticky feel. By lunchtime, temperatures climb to the upper 70s to low 80s under partly cloudy skies. Afternoon highs soar to the mid to upper 80s, 3-5 degrees above the seasonal average of 81°F, with dew points reaching the low 70s, pushing the heat index to the low 90s. An upper-level wave moving in this afternoon sparks scattered showers and thunderstorms, most likely after 2 PM, with peak activity between 3-7 PM across East Tennessee, from Knoxville to Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities.
While no organized severe weather is expected, isolated strong storms could bring gusty winds (up to 40-50 mph) and locally heavy rain, with 0.5-1 inch possible in a water-loaded atmosphere. South of I-40, including Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland, faces higher storm chances, while north of I-40, like Knoxville and Morristown, sees spottier coverage. The EastTNweather app is your lifeline for tracking these storms, with its Interactive Radar offering past, current, and two-hour future projections. Plan morning hikes in Cades Cove or picnics at Knoxville’s Ijams Nature Center, but shift to indoor options like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville by afternoon. Drive cautiously in foggy areas until 9 AM and check the app for storm updates. Friday’s muggy, stormy vibe sets the tone for a wet weekend, so stay prepared!
Saturday-Sunday: Widespread Storms and Heavy Rain
The weekend ramps up the wet weather as an upper-level disturbance swings through, elevating the coverage of showers and storms. Highs remain in the mid to upper 80s, with dew points in the low 70s keeping the heat index in the low 90s, creating a steamy summer feel. Saturday and Sunday will see widespread storms, particularly in the afternoons, with 1-2 inches of rain possible across East Tennessee, and some areas south of I-40 (Chattanooga, Cleveland, Athens) could see 2-3 inches. North of I-40, including Knoxville, Morristown, and the Tri-Cities, expect 0.75-1.5 inches. The water-loaded atmosphere fuels heavy rain, raising concerns for localized flooding in urban areas like Knoxville’s Market Square, Chattanooga’s riverfront, or low-lying regions near the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville or the Hiwassee River in Cleveland.
While organized severe weather isn’t anticipated, isolated strong storms could produce gusty winds or brief heavy downpours. The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is critical for tracking weekend storms, with push notifications for heavy rain or flood risks. Plan indoor activities like Dollywood’s indoor attractions in Pigeon Forge or the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Use the app to find morning dry windows for short hikes in the Smoky Mountains or markets in Jonesborough, especially north of I-40. The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, will refine the weekend forecast, so check back Saturday for the latest. Remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if you encounter flooded roads. The wet weekend keeps summer lively, but the app ensures you stay safe and flexible.
Monday-Wednesday: Continue Wet Weather Pattern
The wet weather pattern persists into Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week, with highs in the mid to upper 80s and dew points in the low 70s, maintaining a muggy heat index in the low 90s. Scattered afternoon showers and storms are expected each day, with rainfall amounts of 0.5-1 inch per day, adding to the week’s potential 1-2 inches or more. South of I-40, including Chattanooga and Athens, will see the highest rain chances, while north of I-40, like Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, may catch occasional dry breaks. Localized flooding remains a concern, particularly in urban areas or near rivers like the Clinch in Kingston or the Little Pigeon in Sevierville. Severe weather risks are low but could include gusty winds in stronger storms.
The EastTNweather app’s long-range forecasts and Interactive Radar are essential for next week, with alerts for heavy rain or flood risks. Plan indoor tasks like visiting the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville or the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for afternoon storms. Use the app to find dry windows for morning commutes in Morristown or short hikes in Gatlinburg, especially north of I-40. The platform’s streaming updates provide context for the extended forecast, ensuring flexibility for plans in Sevierville or the Cumberland Plateau. The wet pattern keeps summer dynamic, but the app keeps you prepared.
Late Next Week: The Heat Intensifies
By late next week, a ridge of high pressure begins to build, bringing hotter conditions. Highs could climb to the upper 80s to low 90s, with dew points in the low 70s pushing the heat index to 95-100°F, creating a sweltering summer feel. Rain chances may decrease slightly, but afternoon showers remain possible, with rainfall under 0.5 inches per day. This hotter weather is ideal for water-based activities like kayaking on the Tennessee River or visiting splash pads in Chattanooga, but heat safety is key. The EastTNweather app’s extended forecasts will clarify this heat wave, with alerts for heat advisories or lingering storm risks.
The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku help plan for the heat, ensuring you stay hydrated and cool during outdoor events in Pigeon Forge or Athens. The upper 80s to low 90s offer a vibrant summer vibe, with the app’s precision helping you dodge showers for hikes in the Smoky Mountains or festivals in Cleveland. Stay tuned to the app for updates as the heat builds, keeping your summer plans safe and thriving.
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 Summer Weather Ally
East Tennessee’s summer is a thrilling mix of muggy heat, heavy rain, and fleeting dry moments, and this week’s forecast—from Friday’s storms to a wet weekend and hotter days ahead—captures its wild spirit. The EastTNweather platform, led by Mike Witcher, surpasses traditional TV with hyper-local, weather-focused updates via its app, website, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV. With real-time Interactive Radar, customizable fog, rain, and flood alerts, and engaging video forecasts, the platform ensures you’re ready for every humid, stormy, or hot moment.
EastTNweather fosters a weather-savvy community, answering questions on social media about flood safety, storm timing, or heat precautions, keeping residents from Knoxville to Chattanooga informed. Whether you’re a hiker in the Smoky Mountains or a commuter in Sevierville, the platform’s precision keeps your plans safe, especially during wet periods like this week. Download the app at easttnweather.com and join East Tennessee’s dedicated weather community, ready for every Fri-YAAAAAAY and beyond!
Tips to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Weekend
East Tennessee’s summer season is a radiant time, with lush landscapes and a calendar packed with June events. Here are tailored tips to navigate this week’s wet weather:
- Navigate Friday’s Fog and Storms: Drive cautiously in dense fog until 9 AM and use the EastTNweather app’s radar to track afternoon storms after 2 PM, especially in Chattanooga and Cleveland.
- Plan for Weekend Rain: Check the app Saturday for 1-2 inches of rain, heaviest south of I-40. Opt for indoor attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or Dollywood in Pigeon Forge for afternoons.
- Monitor Next Week’s Storms: Use the app for Monday-Wednesday’s scattered storms, with indoor options in Knoxville or Sevierville during peak rain hours.
- Avoid Flooded Roads: Steer clear of flooded streets in Morristown or Athens during weekend and early-week storms—turn around, don’t drown. Check the app for flood alerts.
- Stay Connected: Follow EastTNweather’s daily updates for fog, rain, and heat alerts, ensuring safe and vibrant plans across East Tennessee.
East Tennessee’s Summer Vibe
Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains’ misty peaks and the Cumberland Plateau’s rolling hills, East Tennessee’s summer is a vibrant tapestry of muggy heat, heavy rain, and electric storms. Friday’s muggy start and afternoon storms, the weekend’s widespread rain, and next week’s heat wave embody this dynamic energy, inviting residents from Knoxville’s urban buzz to Chattanooga’s riverfront charm to adapt and thrive. The weather shapes our summer rhythm, pushing us to plan around downpours and savor dry moments.
This week’s journey—from mid to upper 80s with storms to a hotter, still rainy next week—captures June’s lively spirit. The EastTNweather platform is your guide, delivering hyper-local precision to keep your plans on track. As we celebrate Fri-YAAAAAAY, let’s stay safe, stay flexible, and keep East Tennessee’s summer vibe alive—have a great weekend!