East Tennessee Weather: Triple Storm Rounds Thursday, Cooler Relief, and Sizzling Heat Wave Ahead

Here we go again, East Tennessee!
On this Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 6:56 AM EDT, we’re bracing for a dynamic day with three rounds of showers and storms, including severe risks under a Level 1 and 2 warning from the Storm Prediction Center. From the vibrant streets of Knoxville to the misty 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-ready. 

Thursday: Three Rounds of Storms with Severe Weather Risks
Thursday starts with scattered showers and storms across East Tennessee, particularly in areas like Cocke County, which saw a mudslide and FLASH FLOOD WARNING yesterday. Morning temperatures begin in the 60s, with dew points in the low 70s creating a muggy feel. A second round of rain moves in from Middle Tennessee through late morning and early afternoon, weakening as it approaches but still packing potential for heavy downpours. By late afternoon into evening, a cold front sweeps through, triggering a third round of showers and storms. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 and 2 risk for severe storms, with damaging winds (50-65 mph) and locally heavy rain (0.5-1.5 inches per round) as the main threats, particularly south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens, and in Knoxville. North of I-40, including Morristown and the Tri-Cities, faces lower severe risks but still expects heavy rain.

The water-loaded atmosphere heightens flood concerns, especially after recent heavy rainfall, with urban areas like Knoxville’s downtown or low-lying regions near the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville or the Hiwassee River in Cleveland at risk for localized flooding. Highs reach the mid-80s, slightly above the seasonal average of 81°F, with a heat index in the low 90s. The EastTNweather app is your go-to for tracking these storms, with its Interactive Radar offering past, current, and two-hour future projections. Plan morning commutes or short hikes in Cades Cove carefully, and shift to indoor activities like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville by afternoon. Check the app for severe weather and flood alerts, and remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” near flooded roads!

Friday: We Dry Out Post Cold Front
Behind Thursday’s cold front, Friday brings a brief respite with cooler, less humid air. Dew points drop to the mid to upper 60s, making morning temperatures in the 60s feel more comfortable. Highs remain in the mid-80s, with a heat index closer to the upper 80s, a noticeable improvement from the muggy low 90s. Scattered showers may linger early Friday, especially south of I-40, but the day trends drier with partial sunshine by afternoon. North of I-40, including Morristown and the Tri-Cities, enjoys mostly dry conditions with a chance for isolated showers.

The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar will help track any lingering showers, with push notifications for flood risks in areas like Cleveland or Sevierville, where recent heavy rain heightens concerns. Plan outdoor activities like hiking in the Smoky Mountains or visiting markets in Jonesborough for Friday afternoon, but keep the app handy for updates. The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for this transitional day, ensuring you make the most of the cooler air before the heat returns.

Saturday-Sunday: First Heat Wave of the Season
A strong ridge of high pressure builds in this weekend, June 21-22, 2025, ushering in the season’s first heat wave. Highs climb to the low to mid-90s, with dew points rising back to the low 70s by Sunday, pushing the heat index near 105°F, meeting heat advisory criteria across East Tennessee, including the Cumberland Plateau and Smoky Mountains. Saturday starts with dew points in the mid-60s, keeping the heat index around 95-100°F, but Sunday’s humidity surge makes it feel swelteringly unbearable. Rain chances are minimal, with only diurnally driven afternoon storms possible, producing less than 0.25 inches, making this a hot, mostly sunny weekend ideal for water-based activities.

The EastTNweather app’s long-range forecasts will confirm this scorching weekend, with alerts for heat advisories. Plan barbecues in Knoxville, festivals in Pigeon Forge, or kayaking on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, but prioritize heat safety: stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take shade breaks. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, in Chattanooga or Cleveland, where the heat index peaks. North of I-40, like Morristown and the Tri-Cities, may feel slightly less humid on Saturday, while south of I-40 faces stickier conditions by Sunday. The platform’s streaming updates provide heat safety tips, ensuring flexibility for plans in Sevierville or the Cumberland Plateau. Dive into summer with water plans, and stay cool with the app!

Next Week: Our First Heat Wave Continues with Afternoon Storms
The heat wave persists into next week, with highs in the low to mid-90s and lows in the 60s to 70s, as dew points in the low 70s keep the heat index near 100-105°F. Starting Tuesday, diurnally driven afternoon storms become more likely, fueled by the heat and humidity, with rainfall amounts of 0.25-0.5 inches per day possible. These classic summer storms may bring brief heavy rain but are unlikely to be severe. This hot, humid weather is perfect for water activities like swimming in the Smoky Mountains’ streams or visiting splash pads in Chattanooga, but heat safety remains critical—listen to your body, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours.

The EastTNweather app’s extended forecasts will track this heat wave and storm chances, with alerts for heat advisories or flood 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.

Rainfall Outlook: 1-3 Inches Over the Next 7 Days
Over the next seven days, rainfall totals will range from 1-3 inches across East Tennessee, with Thursday’s triple storm rounds contributing the most. Areas hit by repeated storms, particularly south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, or Athens, could see 2-3 inches, heightening flood risks in urban areas or near rivers like the Little Pigeon in Sevierville or the Clinch in Kingston, especially after yesterday’s mudslide and FLASH FLOOD WARNING in Cocke County. North of I-40, including Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, expects 0.75-1.5 inches. The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar and flood alerts are vital for monitoring heavy rain, particularly in flood-prone areas. Check the app daily to stay ahead of potential flooding and plan accordingly.