Enjoy a Warm 4th of July Eve and Gear Up for a Sizzling Holiday Weekend

Good morning, East Tennessee, and happy 4th of July Eve!
As your local meteorologist, I’m delivering the latest weather update for Thursday. It’s shaping up to be another hot one, but the good news is that humidity remains low today—though that’s set to change over the holiday weekend.

Thursday: Comfortable Start with a Sunny & a Hot Day Ahead
We’re starting today on the more comfortable side, with lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures than recent days—perfect for early July. Morning readings will hover in the 60s to low 70s, offering a pleasant break. As the heat builds through the day, highs will reach the upper 80s to low 90s, with the heat index adding just a degree or two for a “feels like” temperature in the low 90s. The forecast calls for sunny skies, so grab your sunglasses and lather up with sunscreen if you’re heading outdoors. It’s a solid average day to enjoy patios, parks, or last-minute holiday prep in East Tennessee!

4th of July Weekend: Hotter with Rising Temperatures and Humidity
Now, let’s turn to the 4th of July forecast for Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6, 2025. We’ll trend warmer, with increasing humidity making it feel hotter and sunnier. Mornings will start in the 70s, warming to the low 90s by afternoon, but the heat index will climb to the mid to upper 90s. Through the holiday weekend, highs will stay in the 90s, with the heat index pushing close to 100°F. It’s going to be a scorcher, but the silver lining is that we won’t be dodging storms—perfect for fireworks, lake days, or barbecues across Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Smokies.

To stay safe in this heat, practice these 4th of July heat safety tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, avoiding dehydrating drinks like alcohol or soda.
• Seek Shade: Limit outdoor time from 10 AM to 4 PM and use shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool off.
• Wear Protection: Use loose, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) to guard against the intense sun.
• Check on Others: Monitor elderly neighbors, children, and pets who are more susceptible to heat stress.
• Know the Signs: Watch for dizziness, nausea, or rapid pulse—seek help if heat exhaustion or stroke is suspected.

Next Week: Gradaul Storm Increase
Storms will gradually pick up next week, though nothing major is expected yet, as high pressure remains the dominant weather feature. The best chance for afternoon storms will be along the mountains and plateau, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’re planning outdoor activities. I’ll keep you updated as patterns evolve.

Travel and Beyond: Stay Connected
Whether you’re staying local or traveling for the holiday, the eastTNweather app travels with you, providing alerts anywhere in the United States—from watches and warnings to lightning notifications and more. Before heading back home after the weekend, check the app for Meteorologist Mike Witcher’s forecast to know what weather awaits you. Looking beyond the 7-day outlook, stay tuned for potential shifts as we monitor developing patterns.