Knoxville rolled out of bed under a blanket of thick fog and mist this morning, with temperatures in the low 70s at Knoxville Downtown (KDKX) and visibility dropping to roughly half a mile in spots. The soupy start is only the opening act. Heat builds through the day, with highs headed for the upper 80s and the heat index expected to flirt with 95°F. Drivers should expect slower commutes where the fog hangs on and plan a little extra time for school runs and morning pickups.
Afternoon Storms Likely
As the day heats up, showers and thunderstorms become increasingly likely, especially this afternoon. The official forecast calls for a high near 88°F and about a 60% chance of rain. Most of the action should fire up in the afternoon and early evening, bringing brief heavy downpours, though many neighborhoods will likely end up with less than a tenth of an inch. According to the National Weather Service, heat index values may still climb into the mid 90s even in spots that see storms.
Flooding Risk And Gusty Winds
Forecasters caution that slow-moving storms could drop intense bursts of rain over small areas, leading to localized street and yard flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. The stronger cells may pack gusts in the 35 to 45 mph range along with frequent lightning, which raises the risk of isolated power outages and a few downed limbs. The NWS Morristown discussion points to sluggish storm movement and abundant atmospheric moisture as the main ingredients for localized flooding concerns.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans, try to shift them earlier in the day, keep rain gear handy, and avoid driving through standing water. At the first crack of lightning, head indoors and stay there until the storm passes. During the hottest part of the afternoon, stay hydrated and, if you are sensitive to heat, make use of cooling centers or other air-conditioned spaces. Keep an eye on updates throughout the day and be ready for spotty, on-again-off-again impacts across the metro as storms bubble up and drift around.
