Residents in Knoxville are gearing up for a scorcher as the National Weather Service predicts a sizzling high of 97 degrees for today. The forecast, last updated this morning at 6:55 am EDT, promises a sunny and hot day ahead with calm winds, but advises locals to stay hydrated and seek shade where possible. According to NWS Knoxville, conditions are fair right now with a humidity level holding steady at a saturated 100 percent.
As the evening rolls in, the nighttime offers scant reprieve with a cool down to a low of around 71 degrees and those calm winds sticking around because they apparently have nowhere better to be. Looking into next week's weather, Monday will not only bring the heat but adds a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon post 2 pm, with the mercury expected to reach a near-record high of 98 degrees. Bring on the imaginary flotilla of fans; you're going to need them!
Those counting on substantial rainfall will have to hold off until later in the week, with the chances of showers increasing to 30 percent by Tuesday afternoon. NWS reports that Tuesday will still be sunny and hot with a high of around 96 degrees, and a slight breeze might grace us, barely nudging that southwest wind to around 5 mph by the afternoon. Just enough to flutter the pages of a book, if you dare to sit outside to read.
Wednesday brings hope for gardeners and parched lawns, with the day promising a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm amid another steamy forecast of 94 degrees. "Showers and thunderstorms likely," says NWS, predicting a solid likelihood of some rain before and after 2 am on Wednesday night. A mostly cloudy sky with a low of around 72 degrees will follow, presumably allowing for a less sweaty sleep–if the thunder doesn't keep you up, that is.
To wrap up the week, it seems Knoxville will be playing peekaboo with the sun. Thursday's highs will dial back slightly to the mid-80s, but with a 70 percent chance of precipitation, umbrellas and raincoats might be the accessory du jour. "Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm," says NWS, setting the stage for a potentially damp day for anyone stepping outside.
For those making weekend plans, keep a weather eye out, with Friday and Saturday both looking at a 40-60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Daytime highs will hover around 85 degrees, but the potential for rain makes for a wild card when deciding between a beach day or a museum one. So, while summer in Knoxville continues its usual hot and humid refrain, a mix of sun and storms appears to be the melody of the week ahead.
