Sunday is starting out warm, muggy, and partly cloudy across the Knoxville–Morristown region, with temperatures in the mid 60s and a sticky dewpoint that will only add to the soupy feel later today. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up as the day goes on, with an afternoon high near 81 and pockets of heavy rain in the mix. Keep the umbrella close and the rain jacket by the door, since quick downpours could lead to localized flooding where storms repeatedly pass over the same neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service Morristown, the chance of rain today sits near 90 percent, with most spots picking up between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Higher totals are possible if you land under a stronger storm this evening. Tonight's rounds of storms could bring a quarter to a half inch of rain in places, and forecasters expect scattered afternoon storms to pop up each day into next week. The office notes that the risk for severe winds looks limited at this point, while very heavy downpours and localized flooding remain the main concerns.
Timing And Impacts
Storm coverage ramps up through the afternoon, with the best bet for thunderstorms from mid to late afternoon and into the evening, so plan on wet drives and shuffled outdoor plans. Hour-by-hour guidance shows rain chances climbing into the 80 to 90 percent range between 2 and 6 p.m., with some gustier spots possible near ridgetops and the foothills. If you live near creeks or low-lying roads, give yourself extra time to get around and steer clear of standing water. Flash flooding can develop quickly under more intense cells.
Holiday Weekend Outlook
Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026, stays unsettled. Rain showers are likely before 11 a.m., with additional showers and thunderstorms expected later in the day and a high near 80. Daily thunderstorm chances remain in the forecast through midweek, so any outdoor or park plans for the holiday will need a rain backup. Repeated waves of heavy rain could cause localized urban or small stream flooding, especially in spots that see multiple storms over a short window.
How To Prepare
Shift ceremonies or picnics under a shelter if you can, secure loose patio furniture, and keep weather alerts turned on in case a quick downpour targets your area. Short, intense bursts of rain can drop inches of water in low-lying locations. If you are heading into the Smokies for the holiday, be ready for gusty conditions at higher elevations and take it slow on winding mountain roads. For the latest watches and warnings, follow updates from the NWS and local officials.
This soggy setup continues a pattern recently flagged in local coverage. For background on the wet stretch and the midweek storm signal, see Knoxville set to sizzle near 90 as storms build. Updates will follow if watches or warnings change before the holiday.
