Knoxville woke up to thick humidity and patchy fog Thursday morning, with spotty visibility and temperatures stuck in the mid-70s at area stations. The sun is expected to break through by midmorning and highs are headed for around 97°F, with heat-index values climbing as high as 104°F this afternoon, which makes extended outdoor plans potentially dangerous.
Heat Advisory And Safety
The National Weather Service in Morristown has a Heat Advisory in effect through Friday evening, warning that heat indices will reach or top 100°F across the valley and foothills. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the midafternoon peak, according to NWS Morristown.
Cooling Options
To help people ride out the heat, the city has opened primary cooling centers at the Knoxville Recreation Center on South Park Lane and the Knoxville Public Library on East Montgomery Avenue. Many other libraries and recreation centers are also available during their regular hours. Some nonprofits and shelters may extend hours while the heat holds on; call ahead or dial 2-1-1 for the latest on what is open, as reported by WIVK-FM.
Storm Chances Later This Week
Isolated to scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible, especially over higher terrain and south of Interstate 40. Any storms that do pop up could bring strong, brief downburst winds or small hail. Rain chances go up early next week, which should nudge afternoon highs back into the low 90s by Monday and ease the worst of the current heat.
What To Do Today
If you have Fourth of July plans, try to move the heavy lifting to the morning or later in the evening, keep water and shade close by, and keep an eye out for pop-up storms in the late afternoon. If you or someone with you starts showing signs of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, or dizziness, get to a cool place right away and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve.
