East Tennessee Weather: Sunny Tuesday with Late Storms, Wet Week, and Sizzling Heat Wave Ahead

Ahhhhh, East Tennessee, what a refreshing day awaits!
On this Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 7:46 AM EDT, we’re basking in a sunnier, warmer vibe to kick off the week, with a touch of summer heat and late-day storms on the horizon. From the bustling streets of Knoxville to the serene trails of the Great Smoky Mountains and the rugged beauty 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. 

Tuesday: Sunny, Warm witih Late Day Storms
Tuesday starts with a pleasant morning, featuring temperatures in the 60s and 70s across East Tennessee, from the Tennessee Valley near Chattanooga to the higher elevations of the Cumberland Plateau. Dew points in the upper 60s to low 70s create a slightly muggy feel, but abundant sunshine by mid-morning pushes lunchtime temperatures to the upper 70s to low 80s. Afternoon highs climb to the mid-80s, 3-5 degrees above the seasonal average of 81°F, with a heat index in the low 90s in the valley areas like Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Cleveland. A weather wave moving through late in the day sparks scattered showers and storms, most likely after 4 PM, peaking between 5-8 PM, particularly south of I-40 (Chattanooga, Athens, Cleveland) and in Knoxville.

These storms could drop 0.25-0.75 inches of rain, with isolated areas seeing more, and while no widespread severe weather is expected, some storms may bring gusty winds (up to 40-50 mph) or brief heavy rain. North of I-40, including Morristown and the Tri-Cities, expects spottier showers. The EastTNweather app is your go-to for tracking these late-day storms, with its Interactive Radar offering past, current, and two-hour future projections. Seize the sunny morning for hikes in Cades Cove, picnics at Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park, or riverside strolls in Chattanooga, but plan indoor options like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville for the evening. Most of Tuesday is sunny and dry, so enjoy the warmth and check the app for storm updates!

Wednesday-Thursday: Elevated Stormy Pattern Continues
The active, rainy weather pattern persists Wednesday through Thursday, with daily chances for afternoon showers and storms driven by passing disturbances. Highs will hold in the mid to upper 80s, with dew points in the low 70s pushing the heat index to the low to mid-90s, creating a muggy summer feel. Each day could bring 0.5-1 inch of rain, with a two-day total of 1-2 inches, heaviest south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, where localized totals could reach 2-3 inches. North of I-40, including Knoxville, Morristown, and the Tri-Cities, anticipates 0.5-1.5 inches. The water-loaded atmosphere raises concerns for localized flooding, particularly in urban areas like Knoxville’s downtown, Chattanooga’s North Shore, or low-lying regions near the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville or the Hiwassee River in Cleveland.

While severe weather risks remain low, isolated strong storms could produce gusty winds or heavy downpours. The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is essential for tracking daily storms, with push notifications for heavy rain or flood risks. Plan indoor tasks like visiting the Knoxville Zoo or the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for afternoon hours. 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. Always “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if you encounter flooded roads. This wet stretch keeps summer vibrant, but the app ensures you stay safe and adaptable.

Friday-Sunday: First Heat Wave of the Season
By Friday, June 20, 2025, a trough moves east, and a ridge of high pressure builds from the west, bringing the season’s first heat wave just in time for the official start of summer. Highs soar to the low to mid-90s Friday through Sunday, with dew points starting in the upper 60s on Friday and Saturday, keeping the heat index around 100°F. By Sunday, dew points rise to the low 70s, pushing the heat index close to 105°F, nearing heat advisory criteria. Rain chances drop significantly, with only isolated afternoon showers possible, producing less than 0.25 inches, making this a hot, mostly sunny weekend ideal for summer activities across East Tennessee.

The EastTNweather app’s long-range forecasts will confirm this sizzling weekend, with alerts for potential heat advisories. Plan barbecues in Knoxville, festivals in Pigeon Forge, or kayaking on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, but stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take shade breaks in the low to mid-90s. South of I-40, including Chattanooga and Cleveland, will feel the stickiest by Sunday, while north of I-40, like Morristown and the Tri-Cities, may be slightly less humid early in the weekend. The platform’s streaming updates provide context for the weekend, ensuring flexibility for plans in Sevierville or the Cumberland Plateau. The first heat wave of summer is a chance to embrace the season’s radiance, so check the app for heat safety tips!

Next Week: Heat Wave Persists
The heat wave extends into the middle of next week, with highs in the low to mid-90s and dew points in the low 70s, keeping the heat index near 100-105°F. Rain chances remain low early in the week, but isolated afternoon showers may return by midweek, with rainfall under 0.5 inches per day. This hot, humid weather is perfect for water-based activities like swimming in the Smoky Mountains’ streams or visiting splash pads in Chattanooga, but heat safety is critical—drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours. 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 cool during outdoor events in Athens or Cleveland. The low to mid-90s offer a vibrant 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.