East Tennessee Weather: Muggy Heat Today, Severe Storms Friday-Saturday, and a Wetter Weekend

Happy Friday-Eve, East Tennessee!

On this Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 8:08 AM EDT, we’re kicking off the day with mild, muggy conditions and some lake and river fog, setting the stage for a warm day with potential afternoon storms. From the bustling streets 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 safe and informed. 

Thursday: Muggy Heat with Afternoon Storm Risks
Thursday starts mild and muggy, with morning temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, a few degrees warmer than Wednesday’s start, accompanied by lake and river fog in areas like the Cumberland Plateau and near Chattanooga’s Tennessee River. From sunrise through the lunch hour, temperatures will climb to the mid to upper 70s under partly cloudy skies. Afternoon highs reach the mid to upper 80s, about 5 degrees above the seasonal average of 81°F, with dew points in the mid-60s pushing heat index values near 90°F. The heat of the day could trigger isolated afternoon thunderstorms, particularly near the Tri-Cities in Upper East Tennessee (Johnson City, Kingsport), with rainfall amounts under 0.25 inches and gusty winds (up to 30 mph) possible.

The EastTNweather app is your go-to for tracking these potential storms, with its Interactive Radar offering past, current, and two-hour future projections. Plan morning activities like hikes in Cades Cove, picnics at Knoxville’s Tyson Park, or riverfront strolls in Chattanooga, but check the app for afternoon storm updates, especially in Upper East Tennessee. South of I-40, including Chattanooga and Cleveland, expect mostly dry conditions with a lower storm risk, ideal for outdoor dining in Pigeon Forge or exploring Gatlinburg. The app’s hyper-local forecasts ensure you can dodge any showers, while air quality alerts help those sensitive to lingering Canadian wildfire smoke in the Cumberland Plateau. Thursday’s muggy heat is perfect for summer fun, with a cautious eye on the radar.

Friday: Severe Storms and Heavy Rain Risks Increase
Friday brings a significant uptick in severe weather potential as a complex of storms moves out of Middle Tennessee into East Tennessee, likely during peak heating after 3 PM. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 (Marginal) and Level 2 (Slight) risk for severe storms, with damaging winds (up to 60-70 mph) as the primary threat, alongside locally heavy rain. The atmosphere is “water-loaded,” with high moisture levels and potential for training storms (repeated storms over the same area) moving west to east, raising concerns for localized flooding and flash flooding, especially in urban areas like Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Morristown. Rainfall amounts of 0.5-1.5 inches are possible, with some areas seeing higher totals. While tornadoes are possible, the risk remains low. Highs will reach the mid to upper 80s, with muggy dew points in the mid-60s.

The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is critical for tracking Friday’s storms, with push notifications alerting you to severe weather and flood risks. Enable severe weather alerts and identify a safe shelter spot, especially in Upper East Tennessee and south of I-40, where storms may be strongest. Plan indoor activities like visiting the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville during peak storm hours (3-8 PM). Avoid flood-prone areas in Cleveland or Athens, and use the app to monitor road conditions for commutes in Morristown or Sevierville. The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for this severe weather event, ensuring you stay safe and informed. Friday’s storms demand vigilance, but the app keeps you prepared.

Saturday: Elevated Severe Storms and Flood Risks Again
Saturday ramps up the severe weather threat, with conditions similar to Friday but a higher chance for severe storms and an elevated tornado risk, though tornadoes remain a secondary concern compared to damaging winds (up to 60-70 mph) and heavy rain. The water-loaded atmosphere and continued storm training could push rainfall totals to 1-2 inches, with flash flooding and localized flooding concerns rising, particularly after Friday’s rain saturates the ground. South of I-40, including Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, faces the highest flood risk, while Upper East Tennessee (Tri-Cities) and Knoxville may see intense storms. Highs will hold in the mid to upper 80s, with muggy dew points in the mid-60s fueling storm development. The Storm Prediction Center may upgrade severe risk levels, so stay tuned to updates.

The EastTNweather app is your lifeline for Saturday, with real-time radar and severe weather alerts keeping you ahead of the storms. Plan indoor backups like Dollywood’s indoor attractions or the Knoxville Museum of Art, especially south of I-40, where heavy rain is likely. North of I-40, use the app to find brief dry windows for short outings in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, but avoid outdoor plans during peak storm hours (noon-8 PM). Monitor flood watches for low-lying areas in the Cumberland Plateau or Chattanooga, and secure outdoor items for potential wind gusts. The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, helping you navigate this active weather day. Saturday’s severe and flood risks require caution, but the app ensures your safety.

Sunday: Calmer but Showery
Sunday brings a reprieve from the severe weather, with a chance for scattered showers and storms but nothing as intense as Friday or Saturday. Highs will cool to the low 80s, aligning with seasonal averages, with lows in the 60s and dew points in the low 60s reducing the muggy feel. Rainfall amounts will be lighter, under 0.5 inches, with the greatest shower chances south of I-40 in Chattanooga and Cleveland. North of I-40, including Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains, expect more dry breaks, ideal for cautious outdoor plans. The flood risk diminishes but remains a concern in areas hit hard by Friday-Saturday rain.

The EastTNweather app’s forecasts help you maximize Sunday’s calmer weather, with streaming updates refining the outlook. Plan morning activities like picnics at Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park or hikes in the Cumberland Plateau, with indoor options like the Tennessee Aquarium ready for afternoon showers. The app’s radar tracks shower timing, ensuring you can enjoy dry windows in Pigeon Forge or Morristown. Sunday’s milder weather offers a chance to recover from the weekend’s storms, with the app keeping your plans flexible and safe.

Next Week: Seasonal with Afternoon Storms
Next week settles into a more seasonable pattern, with highs in the low to mid-80s and lows in the 60s, accompanied by occasional afternoon showers and storms typical of summer. Dew points in the low 60s keep humidity moderate, with rainfall amounts under 0.5 inches per storm. This stable, warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking on the Tennessee River, visiting the Knoxville Botanical Garden, or attending 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 forecast, helping you plan commutes in Morristown or outdoor events in Sevierville. The low to mid-80s and sunny breaks offer a vibrant summer vibe, with the app’s precision ensuring your plans stay on track. Whether exploring Jonesborough’s historic charm or hiking in the Smoky Mountains, use the app to seize dry days and prepare for afternoon storms, ensuring a smooth start to mid-June.