A Cold Front Brings Storms Today with a Hot 4th of July Weekend Ahead

Good morning, East Tennessee!
As your local meteorologist, I’m delivering the latest weather update for Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Today is the day a cold front sweeps through, bringing showers, storms, and a risk of strong to severe weather along with isolated flood and flash flood concerns.

Tuesday: A Cold Front Ushers in Storms and Heavy Rain
We’re starting the day with spotty showers and locally heavy rain, which will fade temporarily but return with force this afternoon. It’s a mild and muggy morning, with temperatures trending warmer than yesterday, settling in the 70s. As the cold front approaches, clouds will thicken, giving us mostly cloudy skies throughout the day. Storms are expected to fire up after the lunch hour, peaking into the afternoon and evening. These could linger during the evening rush hour, so before hitting the road, check in with the eastTNweather app for real-time updates and safety alerts!

The atmosphere is primed for action, with a chance for strong to severe storms featuring heavy downpours, gusty winds, and possible hail. Isolated flood and flash flood risks are also on the table, particularly in areas with poor drainage. Stay vigilant, especially if you’re in low-lying regions, and avoid driving through flooded roads.

Wednesday and Thursday: Drier Air Brings Slight Relief
Behind today’s cold front, slightly drier air will settle in on Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3. This will make the air feel a bit more comfortable, though it will still be hot—after all, it’s July! Rain chances will drop, offering a dry spell perfect for outdoor plans. Highs will likely stay in the upper 80s to low 90s, with heat indices moderating slightly from the mid-90s, providing a welcome break from the humidity.

4th of July Weekend: The Heat and Humidity Return
As we head into the 4th of July weekend (July 3-6, 2025), high pressure will build in from the west, ramping up the heat and humidity. Expect a very hot weekend, with temperatures climbing to the low to mid-90s and heat indices peaking in the mid to upper 90s during the day’s hottest hours. The UV Index will soar to 11, making sunburn a real risk if you’re out on the lakes, at pools, or enjoying festivities in Knoxville, Chattanooga, or the Smokies. Lather up with sunscreen and take breaks in the shade to protect your skin.

While the forecast leans dry, the increasing humidity could spark a few isolated storms, though significant rain isn’t anticipated. This hot, humid setup is ideal for 4th of July celebrations, from fireworks to outdoor barbecues.

Beyond the 7-Day Forecast: An Active Pattern Looms
Looking past the immediate week, signs suggest a more active weather pattern may develop. Stay tuned and check back for updates as we refine those details in the coming days.

Storm and Heat Safety Tips for East Tennessee
With storms today and heat looming, here are essential safety tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, avoiding dehydrating drinks like alcohol or soda.
• Seek Shelter: During storms, move indoors and avoid outdoor activities from 10 AM to 4 PM in the heat.
• Wear Protection: Use loose, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) to combat the UV Index.
• Check on Others: Monitor elderly neighbors, children, and pets who are more vulnerable to heat and storms.
• Avoid Flood Risks: Steer clear of flooded roads and watch for flash flood warnings during today’s storms.