Good morning, East Tennessee! As your local meteorologist, I’m rolling out the latest weather update for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 08:06 AM EDT. WOW… it’s a steamy start to the day—it’ll smack you right in the face this morning! We’re kicking off with morning temps in the 70s, dew points matching that muggy feel, and just a few clouds hanging around. This easy-to-grab blog breaks it down day by day for Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Great Smoky Mountains, so let’s dive in and tackle this weather!
Today: A Steamy Morning, A Hot Afternoon with More Storms
Today’s off to a warm, sticky start, and we’ll heat up fast to the upper 80s by lunchtime, with afternoon highs hitting the 90s. That heat index will push past 100°F, so it’s going to feel intense! Rain-wise, we won’t see too many storms, but the ones that fire up this afternoon could bring locally heavy rainfall—watch out for localized flood threats. Stay safe and keep cool!
More Heat and a Similar Pattern with Afternoon Storms
Thursday, July 17, brings much of the same steamy weather. Highs will climb into the 90s, with the heat index again nearing 100°F. Afternoon storms are back, with a chance for heavy rain and those same flood concerns. It’s another hot one, so plan accordingly!
Hot Weather Continues with Better Storm Coverage
Friday, July 18, shifts things a bit as a cold front lingers to our northwest—though it won’t sweep cleanly through East Tennessee—and a low pressure in the Gulf, monitored by the National Hurricane Center with a 40% chance of becoming our next named storm, is in play. I don’t think it’ll turn into much, but its moisture will hitch a ride with that front and swing our way. Expect better coverage of showers and storms, with highs in the 90s and a heat index around 100°F. Keep an eye on flooding!
Sticky Heat Sticks Around with More Storms
Saturday, July 19, keeps the pattern going with highs in the 90s and a heat index near 100°F. That cold front and Gulf moisture will boost storm chances, bringing more widespread showers and potential for heavy rain. Localized flooding remains a worry, so stay updated!
We Stay Hot with Elevated Storm Chances
Sunday, July 20, wraps the weekend with highs in the 90s and a heat index around 100°F. Showers and storms will linger, thanks to that front and moisture mix, with better coverage and a risk of heavy rain leading to flooding. It’s a wet finish—plan smart!
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE 7 DAY FORECAST
More Heat with Slightly Above Average Rainfall
Looking past the 7-day outlook, the Climate Prediction Center suggests the heat will stick around, with average to slightly above-average rainfall. That’s classic July in the southeastern U.S.—hot days with some wet breaks. For Knoxville locals, Chattanooga outdoor fans, and Smoky Mountain visitors, this helps you plan and stay safe.
Why This Weather is Happening
That steamy start comes from high dew points in the 70s, fueled by a strong setup. A mid-level ridge along the Gulf coast keeps us warm, while disturbances from the north side, plus that potential Gulf low and cold front, are stirring up those afternoon storms. The heavy rain could lead to flooding, especially with repeated hits. Stay vigilant!
Your Weather Ready Friend: The eastTNweather App
The eastTNweather app is your go-to for East Tennessee weather. Launched in October 2023 after 20 years at WBIR, it delivers three daily video forecasts, a live morning chat, and updates on MikeWitcherTV and ETNWeather. Free on Roku, Amazon Fire, eastTNweather.com, and the app, it’s your key to tracking storms with Interactive Radar showing past, current, and future views. Download it today!
Stay Connected with eastTNweather
I’m here to keep you in the know and safe. Pop over to eastTNweather.com, grab the app, or follow me on social media for the latest on today’s steam and the week’s storms. Have a great Wednesday, beat that heat, and check back in—let’s roll with this July weather!