Welcome to Tuesday, East Tennessee!
On this June 3, 2025, at 6:33 AM EDT, we’re marking the first day of summer school with a reminder to watch out for kids and buses across the region. Today also brings a dose of summer heat, hazy sunshine, and the start of a warm, humid week. From the vibrant streets of Knoxville to the lush 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.
Tuesday: Hazy Heat and Summer School Safety
Tuesday ushers in summer heat with highs reaching the mid to upper 80s across East Tennessee, slightly above the seasonal average of 81°F. Morning temperatures start in the 60s, with dew points in the 50s to low 60s pushing heat index values into the low 90s, especially in urban areas like Knoxville and Chattanooga. Hazy sunshine prevails, thanks to smoke from Canadian wildfires and high clouds drifting in from the west, creating a slightly milky sky. The ridge of high pressure keeps conditions dry, perfect for outdoor activities, but drivers should stay alert for summer school buses and kids in areas like Morristown, Sevierville, and Cleveland.
The EastTNweather app is your go-to for navigating today’s heat and haze, with real-time updates to confirm dry conditions and track air quality impacted by wildfire smoke. Plan morning hikes in the Smoky Mountains, picnics at Knoxville’s Tyson Park, or riverfront strolls in Chattanooga, but stay hydrated and apply sunscreen in the upper 80s. The app’s hyper-local forecasts help you time evening outings, like dining in Pigeon Forge or exploring Gatlinburg, while avoiding peak heat. For those with respiratory concerns, check the app for air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke, especially in the Cumberland Plateau. Drive cautiously around school zones, and enjoy this sunny, warm start to summer school!
Wednesday through Friday: June Heat Intensifies
As the ridge of high pressure shifts toward the East Coast, East Tennessee moves to its western side, introducing a southerly flow that adds moisture and sustains the heat. Wednesday through Friday will see highs in the upper 80s, with some areas like Knoxville and Athens flirting with 90°F, 3-5 degrees above average. Dew points climbing to the mid-60s will push heat index values into the low to mid-90s, creating a sticky, summer-like atmosphere. Hazy skies persist due to wildfire smoke and increasing high clouds, but Tuesday and Wednesday remain rain-free. By Thursday and Friday, the added moisture could spark isolated pop-up thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons, with rainfall amounts under 0.25 inches per storm.
The EastTNweather platform’s streaming updates on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, led by Mike Witcher, provide context for this heat wave, while the app’s Interactive Radar tracks potential Thursday-Friday storms. Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking on the Tennessee River, visiting the Knoxville Zoo, or attending festivals in Sevierville, but take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces during peak heat. The app’s precision forecasts are ideal for planning early morning or evening outings in Chattanooga or the Smoky Mountains to avoid the midday heat and pop-ups. Check air quality updates for sensitive groups in Morristown or the Cumberland Plateau, and use the app’s alerts to stay ahead of any isolated storms. This June heat is perfect for summer fun, with proper precautions.
Weekend Outlook: Soggy with a Cold Front
The weekend takes a wet turn as a cold front moves through East Tennessee, bringing showers and storms from Friday through Monday. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with heavier amounts south of I-40 in Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens. Highs will drop to the upper 70s to low 80s, aligning with seasonal averages, while lows in the 60s and muggy dew points in the mid-60s keep humidity high. Storms could bring gusty winds (up to 40-50 mph) and brief heavy rain, particularly Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, but severe risks remain low. North of I-40, including Knoxville and Morristown, may see lighter showers with more dry breaks.
The EastTNweather app’s Interactive Radar is critical for tracking weekend showers, with push notifications alerting you to heavier storms. Plan indoor activities like the Tennessee Aquarium or the East Tennessee History Center for Saturday and Sunday, especially south of I-40, where rain will be heaviest. North of I-40, use the app to find dry windows for short hikes in Gatlinburg or picnics in Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park. The platform’s streaming updates provide a broader outlook, helping you plan outdoor events in Pigeon Forge or the Cumberland Plateau around the rain. The soggy weekend requires flexibility, but the app ensures your summer plans stay vibrant.
Early Next Week: Cooling Off After the Rain
As the cold front clears out by Monday, early next week brings a slight cooldown, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and lows in the 60s. Scattered showers may linger into Monday, particularly south of I-40, but drier air will gradually move in by Tuesday, reducing humidity with dew points dropping to the low 60s. This comfortable, seasonal weather is ideal for resuming outdoor activities like hiking in the Smoky Mountains, visiting the Knoxville Botanical Garden, or exploring Chattanooga’s riverfront. The EastTNweather platform’s long-range forecasts will refine this outlook, with the app’s alerts keeping you ahead of any residual showers.
The platform’s streaming updates on YouTube and Roku provide context for the post-front forecast, helping you plan commutes in Morristown or outdoor events in Sevierville. The upper 70s to low 80s offer a refreshing start to the week, with the app’s precision ensuring your plans stay on track. Whether attending festivals in Jonesborough or kayaking in the Cumberland Plateau, use the app to seize dry days and prepare for occasional showers, ensuring a smooth transition into mid-June’s summer rhythm.
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 Partner
East Tennessee’s summer weather is a lively mix of scorching heat, hazy skies, and rainy spells, and this week’s forecast—from today’s sunshine to a soggy weekend—captures its dynamic spirit. The EastTNweather platform, led by Mike Witcher, surpasses traditional TV by delivering hyper-local, weather-focused updates via the app, website, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV. With real-time Interactive Radar, customizable weather alerts, and engaging video forecasts, the platform ensures you’re ready for every hot, hazy, or rainy moment.
EastTNweather fosters a community connection, answering questions on social media about heat safety, air quality, or weekend rain plans, keeping residents from Knoxville to Chattanooga prepared. Whether you’re a parent navigating summer school schedules in Sevierville or a hiker in the Smoky Mountains, the platform’s precision keeps your plans safe, especially during weeks with heat and rain transitions. Download the app at easttnweather.com and join East Tennessee’s dedicated weather community, staying ready for every sunny or stormy day!
Tips to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Week Ahead
East Tennessee’s summer season is a vibrant time, with lush landscapes and a calendar packed with June events. Here are tailored tips to navigate this week’s weather:
- Enjoy Tuesday’s Heat: Seize mid to upper 80s for Knoxville picnics or Smoky Mountain hikes. Use the EastTNweather app to confirm dry conditions and monitor wildfire smoke in Chattanooga.
- Prepare for Midweek Heat: Plan Wednesday-Thursday activities like kayaking in Sevierville or festivals in Pigeon Forge in upper 80s. Stay hydrated and check the app for pop-up storm alerts.
- Monitor Weekend Rain: Track Friday-Monday showers with the app’s Interactive Radar, heaviest south of I-40. Plan indoor backups like the Tennessee Aquarium for Chattanooga or Knoxville.
- Drive Safely for Summer School: Watch for kids and buses in Morristown or Cleveland through June. Use the app to plan commutes around weekend rain and morning fog.
- Stay Connected: Monitor the EastTNweather platform daily for heat, air quality, and weekend rain updates, keeping summer school and outdoor plans safe and vibrant.
East Tennessee’s Summer Vibe
East Tennessee’s summer is a radiant blend of hazy heat, sunny warmth, and rainy spells, shaped by the Tennessee Valley’s embrace between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Plateau. This week’s sunny heat, midweek haze, and soggy weekend pulse with the region’s dynamic energy, embracing summer’s full force. From Knoxville’s urban buzz to the Smoky Mountains’ tranquil beauty, the weather invites residents to adapt and thrive, whether basking in sunshine or planning around rain.
The journey from mid to upper 80s with haze to a wet weekend in the upper 70s to low 80s offers a thrilling start to June. The EastTNweather platform ensures you’re prepared, delivering hyper-local precision to keep your plans on track. As we kick off summer school and embrace the heat, let’s stay safe and make every sunny moment count!