Welcome to Thursday, East Tennessee!
On this June 12, 2025, at 9:45 AM EDT, we’re diving into an unsettled, wet weather pattern that starts today and stretches through the weekend and into next week. Light morning fog and mild temperatures in the 60s set a comfortable stage, but rising humidity and afternoon storms signal a shift. From the bustling streets of Knoxville to the misty 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 prepared.
Thursday: Light Fog, Rising Humidity, and Afternoon Storms
Thursday begins with a mild, comfortable morning, featuring light fog in low-lying areas like Sevierville, Cleveland, and along the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. Morning temperatures start in the 60s, with dew points in the low 60s offering a brief respite from recent muggy conditions. As the day progresses, humidity rises, with dew points climbing to the mid to upper 60s, pushing the heat index to 88-92°F. By afternoon, highs reach the mid to upper 80s, slightly above the seasonal average of 81°F, under partly cloudy skies. An upper-level disturbance sparks scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms, most likely after 2 PM, with the greatest chance south of I-40 (Chattanooga, Athens, Cleveland) and in Upper East Tennessee (Johnson City, Kingsport).
These storms could produce 0.25-0.5 inches of rain, with isolated areas seeing more, and a low risk of severity, though gusty winds (up to 40-50 mph) are possible. The EastTNweather app is your go-to for tracking these storms, with its Interactive Radar providing past, current, and two-hour future projections. Plan morning activities like hikes in Cades Cove or picnics at Knoxville’s Tyson Park, but shift to indoor options like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville by afternoon. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Morristown, expect spotty showers, while south of I-40 faces higher storm chances. Thursday marks the start of a wet pattern, so stay alert and check the app for updates.
Friday: Increasing Storm Coverage
Friday sees a step-up in storm activity, with better coverage of afternoon showers and thunderstorms across East Tennessee. Highs remain in the mid to upper 80s, with dew points in the upper 60s to low 70s, driving the heat index to 90-95°F, creating a muggy summer feel. Storms are expected after 1 PM, peaking between 3-7 PM, with 0.5-1 inch of rain possible, heaviest south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens. North of I-40, including Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, may see 0.25-0.5 inches. While most storms will be typical summer pop-ups, some could produce gusty winds or brief heavy rain, raising minor flood concerns in urban areas like Knoxville’s downtown or Chattanooga’s riverfront.
The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is essential for Friday, with push notifications for heavier showers or flood risks. Enjoy morning outings like kayaking on the Tennessee River or visiting the Knoxville Zoo, but plan indoor backups like Dollywood’s indoor attractions in Pigeon Forge for afternoon storms. The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for Friday’s weather, ensuring flexibility for plans in Sevierville or the Cumberland Plateau. Friday’s storms signal a wetter trend, but the app keeps you prepared and adaptable.
Saturday-Sunday: Widespread Rain and Storms
The weekend brings the peak of this wet weather pattern, with widespread showers and storms as an upper-level wave moves through the Ohio Valley. Highs hold in the mid to upper 80s, with dew points in the upper 60s to low 70s, pushing the heat index to 90-95°F, maintaining muggy conditions. Rainfall totals of 1-2 inches or more are expected from Friday through Sunday, with the heaviest rain 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, anticipate 0.75-1.5 inches. Localized flooding is a concern, particularly in urban areas like Knoxville’s Market Square or low-lying regions near the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville or the Hiwassee River in Cleveland. Severe weather risks, such as gusty winds or heavy rain, are possible but not yet certain.
The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is critical for tracking weekend storms, with alerts for heavy rain or potential flooding. Plan indoor activities like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga or the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Use the app to find morning dry windows for short hikes in the Smoky Mountains or markets in Jonesborough, especially north of I-40. The platform’s streaming updates will refine the weekend forecast, so check back Friday for the latest details. The wet weekend keeps summer dynamic, but the app ensures you stay safe and flexible—remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if you encounter flooded roads.
Next Week: Continued Wet Pattern
The wet weather pattern extends into early next week, with highs in the low to mid-80s and scattered afternoon showers or storms. Dew points in the mid to upper 60s maintain humidity, with rainfall amounts of 0.5-1 inch through midweek, adding to the week’s 1-2 inch total. South of I-40, including Chattanooga and Athens, will see the highest rain chances, while north of I-40, like Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, may catch drier breaks. This pattern supports outdoor activities like visiting the Knoxville Botanical Garden or kayaking in Chattanooga during dry windows, but flexibility is key. The EastTNweather app’s long-range forecasts will clarify next week’s outlook, with alerts for any severe risks or flooding concerns.
The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the extended forecast, helping you plan commutes in Morristown or events in Athens. The low to mid-80s offer a vibrant summer feel, with the app’s precision ensuring you seize dry moments for hikes in the Smoky Mountains or festivals in Cleveland. Stay tuned to the app for updates as the week unfolds, keeping your summer plans weather-ready and thriving.
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE 7 DAY FORECAST
Looking past the 7 Day Forecast, the Climate Prediction Center has issues a forecast based on probabilities.
These maps don’t show you how far above or below, but rather an idea of how strong the signal is.
Why eastTNweather is Your Weather Lifeline
East Tennessee’s summer is a lively blend of muggy heat, sunny breaks, and stormy spells, and this week’s wet pattern—from Thursday’s scattered storms to the weekend’s 1-2 inches of rain—captures its dynamic spirit. The EastTNweather platform, led by Mike Witcher, outshines traditional TV with hyper-local, weather-focused updates via its app, website, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV. With real-time Interactive Radar, customizable fog, rain, and flood alerts, and engaging video forecasts, the platform ensures you’re ready for every humid, stormy, or dry moment.
EastTNweather builds a weather-savvy community, answering questions on social media about flood safety, storm timing, or outdoor planning, keeping residents from Knoxville to Chattanooga informed. Whether you’re a hiker in the Smoky Mountains or a commuter in Sevierville, the platform’s precision keeps your plans safe, especially during wet periods like this week. Download the app at easttnweather.com and join East Tennessee’s dedicated weather community, ready for every summer downpour or sunny spell!
Tips to Stay Safe and Enjoy the rest of the Week
East Tennessee’s summer season is a radiant time, with lush landscapes and a calendar packed with June events. Here are tailored tips to navigate this week’s wet weather:
- Navigate Thursday’s Fog and Storms: Drive cautiously in light fog until 9 AM and use the EastTNweather app’s radar to track afternoon storms after 2 PM, especially in Chattanooga and Cleveland.
- Plan for Friday’s Storms: Schedule morning outings in Knoxville or Pigeon Forge, with indoor options like the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga for afternoon showers south of I-40.
- Prepare for Weekend Rain: Check the app Friday for 1-2 inches of rain, heaviest south of I-40. Opt for indoor attractions in Sevierville or Knoxville and monitor flood risks in low-lying areas.
- Avoid Flooded Roads: Steer clear of flooded streets in Morristown or Athens during weekend storms—turn around, don’t drown. Use the app for road closure alerts.
- Stay Connected: Follow EastTNweather’s daily updates for fog, rain, and flood alerts, ensuring safe and vibrant plans across East Tennessee.
East Tennessee’s Summer Rhythm
Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains’ misty peaks and the Cumberland Plateau’s rolling hills, East Tennessee’s summer is a vibrant tapestry of humid heat, stormy afternoons, and fleeting dry moments. Thursday’s light fog and scattered storms, followed by the weekend’s widespread rain, embody this dynamic energy, inviting residents from Knoxville’s urban pulse to Chattanooga’s riverfront charm to adapt and thrive. The weather shapes our summer rhythm, encouraging us to plan around downpours and cherish clear skies.
This week’s wet pattern, with 1-2 inches of rain and muggy mid to upper 80s, captures June’s lively spirit. The EastTNweather platform is your anchor, delivering hyper-local precision to keep your plans on track. As we dive into this rainy stretch, let’s stay safe, stay flexible, and keep East Tennessee’s summer rhythm alive!