East Tennessee Weather: Saturday Storms, Wet Week Ahead, and a Drier Weekend on the Horizon

Hello, East Tennessee!
On this Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 12:14 PM EDT, we’re navigating a wet and muggy day with morning fog, passing showers, and more storms on the way this afternoon. The summer weather pattern remains active, but there’s hope for a drier weekend next week. From the lively streets 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 prepared. 

Saturday: Fog, Showers and Afternoon Storms
Saturday starts with a muggy morning, featuring fog and clouds across East Tennessee, particularly in low-lying areas like Sevierville, Cleveland, and along the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. A few passing showers dot the region, with morning temperatures in the 60s and dew points in the upper 60s creating a sticky feel. Early sunshine peeks through by mid-morning, pushing lunchtime temperatures to the upper 70s. However, clouds roll back in this afternoon as another disturbance approaches from the west, sparking late afternoon and early evening showers and storms, most likely between 4-8 PM. Forecast highs reach the mid-80s, slightly above the seasonal average of 81°F, with dew points in the low 70s driving the heat index to the low 90s.

The water-loaded atmosphere fuels torrential downpours, with 0.5-1.5 inches of rain possible, heaviest south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland. While widespread severe weather isn’t expected, some storms could turn strong, with gusty winds (up to 40-50 mph) and brief heavy rain as the main threats. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Morristown, expects spottier storms but still faces heavy rain risks. The EastTNweather app is your essential tool for tracking these storms, with its Interactive Radar offering past, current, and two-hour future projections. Plan morning outings like short hikes in Cades Cove or markets in Jonesborough, but shift to indoor activities like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville by afternoon. Drive cautiously in foggy areas until 10 AM and check the app for storm alerts. Saturday’s wet weather sets the tone for the week, so stay vigilant!

Sunday-Thursday: Persistent Wet and Active Pattern
The wet weather pattern continues from Sunday through Thursday, with daily chances for afternoon showers and storms driven by a series of upper-level disturbances. Highs will hold in the mid-80s, with dew points in the low 70s keeping the heat index in the low 90s, creating a muggy summer feel. Each day could bring 0.5-1 inch of rain, with a weekly total of 1-2 inches or more, particularly south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, where 2-3 inches are possible. North of I-40, including Knoxville, Morristown, and the Tri-Cities, anticipates 0.75-1.5 inches. The water-loaded atmosphere raises concerns for localized flooding, especially in urban areas like Knoxville’s downtown, Chattanooga’s North Shore, or low-lying regions near the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville or the Clinch River in Kingston.

While organized severe weather risks remain low, isolated strong storms could produce gusty winds or heavy downpours, particularly south of I-40. The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is critical for tracking daily 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 afternoon hours each day. Use the app to find morning dry windows for commutes in Morristown or short hikes in the Smoky Mountains, especially north of I-40. The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide daily context, so check regularly for refined forecasts. Remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if you encounter flooded roads. This wet stretch keeps summer active, but the app ensures you stay safe and adaptable.

Next Friday-Sunday: Trending Drier
By next weekend, June 20-22, 2025, the forecast trends much drier as a ridge of high pressure begins to build, reducing rain chances. Highs will climb to the mid to upper 80s, with dew points potentially dropping to the mid-60s, lowering the heat index to the upper 80s for a less muggy feel. While isolated afternoon showers can’t be ruled out, rainfall amounts should stay under 0.25 inches, a welcome break from this week’s downpours. This drier trend supports outdoor activities across East Tennessee, from festivals in Pigeon Forge to kayaking on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga.

The EastTNweather app’s long-range forecasts will sharpen next weekend’s outlook, with updates confirming drier conditions. Plan hikes in the Smoky Mountains, markets in Jonesborough, or concerts in Knoxville, but check the app for any lingering shower risks. South of I-40, including Chattanooga and Cleveland, may see slightly higher humidity, while north of I-40, like Morristown and the Tri-Cities, enjoys the driest air. The platform’s streaming updates provide context for the weekend, ensuring flexibility for plans in Sevierville or the Cumberland Plateau. Next weekend’s drier weather offers a chance to soak up summer’s vibrancy, so stay tuned to the app!

Following Week Outlook: Warming Trend
Early the following week, starting June 23, 2025, the warming trend continues, with highs potentially reaching the upper 80s to low 90s as the high-pressure ridge strengthens. Dew points in the mid-60s to low 70s could push the heat index to 95-100°F, signaling a hotter summer phase. Rain chances remain low but may increase slightly by midweek, with typical afternoon showers possible. This weather is ideal for water-based activities like splash pads in Chattanooga or swimming in the Smoky Mountains’ streams, but heat safety is crucial. The EastTNweather app’s extended forecasts will clarify this heat wave, with alerts for heat advisories or renewed storm risks.

The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku help plan for the heat, ensuring you stay hydrated during outdoor events in Athens or Cleveland. The upper 80s to low 90s offer a radiant summer vibe, with the app’s precision helping you dodge showers for hikes in the Cumberland Plateau or festivals in Knoxville. Stay tuned to the app for updates as the week evolves, keeping your summer plans safe and thriving.