NEAR RECORD HIGHS WITH MORE WIND
East Tennessee is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, with near-record highs expected through Saturday. The gusty winds will also pick up, making for a breezy stretch as we stay locked under a strong ridge of high pressure.
Keep an eye to the sky and the Interactive Radar using the eastTNweather app.
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING STAY TO OUR OUR WEST – BUT FOR HOW LONG?
While East Tennessee enjoys this warm and windy pattern, an intense storm system is brewing to our west. The same stubborn weather pattern that’s bringing us sunshine and record warmth is also fueling a major severe weather outbreak across the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest.
The ingredients are in place for a dangerous storm setup in these areas, with the potential for:
✅ Tornadoes – Some could be strong and long-tracked
✅ Damaging winds – Gusts exceeding 60-70 mph
✅ Large hail – Some hailstones could reach golf ball size or larger
✅ Flooding rain – Parts of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois could see 4-7 inches of rainfall
This multi-day storm event will cause widespread severe weather and flash flooding, making travel dangerous in affected regions. If you have friends or family in these areas, be sure they’re staying weather-aware.
DOWNLOAD THE eastTNweather APP to track this severe weather event and to stay informed if you have family or friends in this risk area.
SUNDAY STORMS ARRIVE IN EAST TENNESSEE – HEAVY RAIN & POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER
By Sunday, the ridge of high pressure that’s been keeping us warm will finally break down, allowing the cold front and storm system to push into East Tennessee. This shift in the pattern means we will see increasing clouds and rain chances by Sunday afternoon, with storms arriving late Sunday into early Monday morning.
Right now, models suggest East Tennessee will see:
⛈️ 1-2 inches of rainfall – A soaking rain, but not nearly as much as areas to our west
️ Strong to severe storm potential – Damaging winds and heavy rain are the main concerns
️ Gusty winds even outside of storms – Winds will stay breezy even after the storms move through
The timing of the storms is crucial because Monday morning’s commute could be impacted by lingering rain and gusty winds. If you’re heading to work early, be prepared for wet roads, possible ponding, and reduced visibility.
BIG COOL DOWN NEXT WEEK – NEAR FREEZING TEMPERATURES & MORNING FROST POSSIBLE
After the storm system exits, the cold front will bring a dramatic drop in temperatures for the second week of April. If you’ve enjoyed the warm, summer-like weather, you’ll want to brace for a much different feel next week:
️ Morning lows near freezing – Some areas could dip into the upper 20s and low 30s
️ Afternoon highs only in the 50s – A stark contrast to this week’s 70s and 80s
Potential for morning frost – Sensitive plants and gardens may need protection
This sharp cooldown is a classic example of the rollercoaster that is spring in East Tennessee. One day we’re sweating in near-record heat, and just days later, we’re bundling up with morning frost concerns!
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE 7 DAY FORECAST
Looking past the 7 Day Forecast, the Climate Prediction Center has issues a forecast based on probabilities.
These maps don’t show you how far above or below, but rather an idea of how strong the signal is.
STAY WEATHER ALERT & PREPARE FOR THE CHANGES AHEAD
With big temperature swings, strong winds, and the potential for severe weather this weekend, it’s important to stay informed. As we track the storm system and incoming cold front, be sure to:
✅ Check back for daily weather updates
✅ Download our weather app for real-time alerts
✅ Follow us on social media for breaking weather updates
Stay ahead of the storm—follow eastTNweather for the latest East Tennessee weather updates, severe weather alerts, and long-range forecasts!
Enjoy the warmth while it lasts, and stay safe this weekend as the storms roll in!