East Tennessee Weather: Hazy Heat Today with Possible Storms and a Wet Weekend Ahead

Happy Wednesday, East Tennessee!
On this June 4, 2025, at 9:49 AM EDT, we’re soaking up the hazy, smoky sunshine that’s defining our early summer, but with a heads-up for possible afternoon storms and a wet weekend on the horizon. From the vibrant streets of Knoxville to the majestic trails of the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged Cumberland Plateau, today’s summer heat and dynamic weather keep us on our toes. 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. 

Wednesday: Hazy Heat with a Storm Possibility
Wednesday starts with a range of morning temperatures across East Tennessee: cool 50s in higher elevations like the Cumberland Plateau, 60s in Knoxville and Morristown, and surprisingly warm 70s in the southern valleys near Chattanooga and Cleveland. Abundant sunshine dominates through the lunch hour, pushing lunchtime temperatures into the mid to upper 70s. By afternoon, highs climb to the mid to upper 80s, about 5 degrees above the seasonal average of 81°F, with dew points in the low to mid-60s creating a muggy feel and heat index values near 90°F. The hazy, smoky sunshine, driven by Canadian wildfire smoke, gives skies a milky tint, but visibility remains sufficient for outdoor plans.

A strong surface high-pressure system along the Southeast coast drives a southerly flow, drawing moisture from the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. As the day heats up, this moisture could fuel isolated afternoon thunderstorms, particularly along the peaks of the Smoky Mountains, drifting northwest toward the Tennessee Valley. If these storms develop, they’re likely after 4-5 PM, possibly extending past sunset (around 8:30 PM EDT), with rainfall amounts under 0.25 inches and gusty winds (up to 30-40 mph) possible. The EastTNweather app is your key to tracking these storms, with its Interactive Radar offering past, current, and two-hour future projections. Plan morning hikes in Cades Cove, picnics at Knoxville’s Tyson Park, or riverfront strolls in Chattanooga, but check the app for late-afternoon storm updates, especially in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. This hazy, hot day is perfect for summer fun, with a cautious eye on the sky.

Thursday: More Heat and Increased Storm Chances
Thursday mirrors Wednesday’s heat, with highs in the upper 80s and heat index values in the low to mid-90s due to dew points in the mid-60s. Hazy sunshine persists, with wildfire smoke and high clouds maintaining a veiled sky. The southerly flow strengthens, pulling in additional moisture from an area of low pressure in the Atlantic, which the National Hurricane Center is monitoring with a 10% chance of becoming the first named storm of the 2025 Hurricane Season. This moisture boosts the likelihood of isolated showers and storms, particularly in the afternoon, with locally heavy rain (0.25-0.5 inches) possible in spots like Chattanooga, Cleveland, and the Smoky Mountains. However, not everyone will see rain, with dry conditions likely north of I-40 in Knoxville and Morristown.

The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for Thursday’s weather, while the app’s Interactive Radar tracks pop-up storms. Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking on the Tennessee River, visiting the Knoxville Botanical Garden, or attending festivals in Sevierville, but take breaks in shaded areas during peak heat. The app’s hyper-local forecasts help you time early morning or evening outings in Morristown or the Cumberland Plateau to avoid midday heat and storms. Check air quality alerts for wildfire smoke impacts, especially for sensitive groups in Athens or Cleveland. Thursday’s heat and storm potential keep summer plans vibrant, with the app ensuring you stay prepared.

Friday through Monday: Soggy Weekend with a Cold Front
A cold front approaches on Friday and slides through over the weekend, ushering in an active, wet weather pattern from Friday through Monday. Many areas of East Tennessee could pick up 1-2 inches of rainfall, with heavier totals (up to 2.5 inches) possible south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens. Highs will drop to the upper 70s to low 80s, aligning with seasonal averages, with lows in the 60s and muggy dew points in the mid-60s fueling storm development. Storms may bring gusty winds (up to 40-50 mph) and brief heavy rain, particularly Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, but severe risks remain low. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Morristown, may see lighter showers with more dry breaks, especially on Monday.

The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is critical for tracking weekend showers, with push notifications alerting you to heavier storms. If you have outdoor plans, start arranging indoor alternatives, such as visiting the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville. South of I-40, monitor the app’s radar for heavier showers, and avoid flood-prone areas in Cleveland or Athens. North of I-40, use the app to find dry windows for short hikes in Gatlinburg or picnics in Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park. The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, helping you plan events in Pigeon Forge or the Cumberland Plateau around the rain. The soggy weekend demands flexibility, but the app keeps your summer plans safe and adaptable.

Early Next Week: Seasonal and Calmer
As the cold front clears out by Monday evening, early next week brings a return to seasonal weather, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and lows in the 60s. Scattered showers may linger into Monday, particularly south of I-40, but drier air will move in by Tuesday, reducing humidity with dew points dropping to the low 60s. This comfortable, seasonal weather is ideal for resuming outdoor activities like hiking in the Smoky Mountains, visiting the Knoxville Zoo, or exploring Chattanooga’s riverfront. The EastTNweather platform’s long-range forecasts will refine this outlook, with the app’s alerts keeping you ahead of any residual showers.

The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the post-front forecast, helping you plan commutes in Morristown or outdoor events in Sevierville. The upper 70s to low 80s offer a refreshing start to the week, with the app’s precision ensuring your plans stay on track. Whether attending festivals in Jonesborough or kayaking in the Cumberland Plateau, use the app to seize dry days and prepare for occasional showers, ensuring a smooth transition into mid-June’s summer rhythm.