Happy 4th of July, East Tennessee!
As your local meteorologist, I’m bringing you the latest weather update for Friday, July 4, 2025,. I hope you’re loving this weather because it’s another day of more of the same—hot and sunny with a twist of humidity.
Friday: Comfortable Morning, Sizzling Afternoon
We’re starting this Independence Day on a comfortable note, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s—a pleasant morning to kick off celebrations. However, that comfort fades as the heat and humidity build this afternoon. Highs will climb to the low 90s, but the heat index will push into the mid to upper 90s, making it feel intense. The UV Index will soar to about 11, signaling “sunburn city,” so lather up with sunscreen if you’re outdoors for parades, picnics, or lake time. If you’re watching evening fireworks, relief is on the way—temperatures will drop from the 80s at 7 PM to the 70s by 11 PM, offering a more comfortable end to the day.
To enjoy the festivities safely, practice these 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: Opt for loose, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) to shield against the high UV Index.
- Check on Others: Monitor elderly neighbors, children, and pets who are more prone to heat stress.
- Know the Signs: Watch for dizziness, nausea, or rapid heartbeat—seek help if heat exhaustion or stroke is suspected.
Holiday Weekend Forecast: Not Much of a Change with More Heat & Dry Conditions
Through the holiday weekend—Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, 2025—expect little change. Highs will hold steady in the 90s, with the heat index lingering in the mid to upper 90s under sunny, dry conditions. This hot stretch is ideal for outdoor celebrations, from barbecues to fireworks displays across East Tennessee, without the interruption of storms.
Next Week: Heat, Humidity, and Much Needed Rainfall
Looking ahead, the weather will turn hot and muggy next week, with highs in the low 90s and a heat index nearing 100°F. As humidity rises, we’ll start tracking a few showers and thunderstorms. This rainfall is desperately needed to ease the dry conditions plaguing the region, so any precipitation will be a welcome relief for lawns, gardens, and forests in Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Smoky Mountains. I’ll keep you posted as these patterns develop.
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 This Weather Matters
Today’s comfortable morning gives way to typical July heat, driven by a dominant high-pressure ridge. The consistent warmth through the weekend sets up a classic 4th of July, while the upcoming humidity and storms signal a shift toward a wetter pattern. For local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and Smoky Mountain visitors, this forecast shapes safety and planning for the holiday and beyond.
Your Weather Companion: eastTNweather App
The eastTNweather app is your go-to for weather information in East Tennessee. Launched in October 2023 after nearly 20 years at WBIR, it delivers three daily video forecasts, a live morning session, and constant updates on MikeWitcherTV and ETNWeather. Available free on Roku, Amazon Fire, eastTNweather.com, and as an app, it’s packed with alerts and radar tools. Download it today to stay informed!
Stay Connected with eastTNweather
As your local meteorologist, I’m here to keep you safe and updated. Visit eastTNweather.com, download the app, or follow us on social media for the latest on today’s weather, the holiday weekend, and next week’s rain potential. Have a great day, enjoy your 4th of July, and stay safe—life is short, so be kind to each other!