Tuesday is starting off steamy in Knoxville, with mostly clear skies, muggy air, and temperatures hovering near 79°F at McGhee-Tyson Airport. Humidity is stuck in the upper 70s, and a hot afternoon is on tap, with highs near 91°F and heat-index values pushing into the low 100s, so anyone outside for long stretches will want to pace themselves and take frequent breaks.
Afternoon Heat And Gusty Southwest Winds
Through the afternoon, skies stay mostly sunny and the high should land around 91°F. Southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, will stir the air just enough to make it feel even hotter at mid-day than the thermometer suggests. Strenuous outdoor activity is best kept to a minimum during the peak heat, and staying hydrated is key.
Storms Tonight And Wednesday
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up Tuesday night between about 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., then keep rolling overnight into the early morning hours. The low will settle near 73°F, with roughly an 80% chance of rain. New rainfall totals tonight could reach around 0.5 to 0.75 inch, and additional storms Wednesday may push localized amounts into the 1 to 2 inch range. Damaging wind gusts and brief flooding in low-lying or poor-drainage spots are on the table, especially north of I-40 and in higher terrain, according to the National Weather Service.
Plan Ahead For Travel And Events
Evening drives and outdoor plans should come with a backup plan. Heavy downpours and frequent lightning could quickly slick up roads and knock down visibility. If you have events scheduled tonight or early Wednesday morning, consider shifting them earlier or indoors, and be ready for last-minute adjustments from organizers. For background on the sticky week, see recent coverage.
Cooling Options And Safety Tips
This afternoon’s heat will keep the air feeling soupy, so anyone vulnerable to high temperatures should head for air-conditioned public spaces and check local listings for cooling centers. Make sure pets and outdoor workers have plenty of water and shade, and never leave people or animals in parked vehicles, even for a short time. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency channels for any watches or warnings that may be issued.
