The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for parts of southwest North Carolina, East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia, forecasting scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms today with a slight risk for some to turn severe.

"A few may become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts and torrential downpours which may lead to brief localized flooding the primary threats," the Hazardous Weather Outlook report stated. East Tennesseans can expect these conditions mainly between 2 pm and 5 pm today, with the mercury poised to climb to near 91 degrees, and heat index values roughly touching the high 90s.

Tonight's forecast includes a 30 percent chance of showers and storms, primarily before 8 pm, followed by partly cloudy skies and a dip in temperatures around 65 degrees. The winds should lay calm at a gentle 5 mph from the north, according to the National Weather Service.

Looking ahead, the NWS predicts clear skies on Monday with highs hovering around 83, and a northeast wind around 10 mph. Independence Day brings a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms amid hot conditions, as the high is expected to be near 93 degrees. Friday shows a similar pattern with a 60 percent likelihood of showers and thunderstorms and summery temperatures staying high at around 92.