The National Weather Service in Knoxville has issued today's weather forecast, indicating a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms starting in the afternoon. Conditions are expected to remain mostly sunny and hot with high temperatures nearing 94 degrees, and heat index values potentially reaching a sweltering 102 degrees. In the morning, the calm conditions are slated to give way to a light southwestern breeze of around 5 mph. As per the update, this July 4th could pose heat-related risks, especially during afternoon peak heat hours.
Tonight, the slight chance of showers persists before 10 pm, followed by a possible reemergence of showers and thunderstorms after 4 am. The evening is forecasted to be partly cloudy with lows around 77 degrees and calm winds. Moving into Friday, the chance of precipitation increases sharply to 70 percent, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm between 8 am and 2 pm, then again showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 pm. The heat is predicted to only slightly abate, hovering near 91 degrees with heat index values up to 100. The southwest wind will maintain a mild pace of 5 to 10 mph.
The weather outlook for the weekend and the following week continues to include chances for showers and thunderstorms with high temperatures persisting in the low 90s. Saturday's forecast shows a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 am, with a high near 90 degrees and a calm wind turning westerly. By Tuesday, the likelihood of precipitation peaks at 60 percent with persistent hot temperatures.
In light of the forecasted conditions, the National Weather Service Morristown TN has also released a Hazardous Weather Outlook for parts of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia. "Hot and humid weather expected this afternoon, with afternoon heat indices peaking near 105F in the southern Tennessee valley and southern Sequatchie valley," warns the advisory. It is also noted that some storms could be strong to marginally severe, especially Friday afternoon into the early evening, with potential damaging wind gusts. While spotter activation is not currently needed, residents are advised to stay alert to the developing weather patterns.
