Sunday Update: Warm, Comfortable Start Before Heat & Humidity Build This Week

Good morning and happy Sunday, East Tennessee!

I hope you had a fantastic Saturday and were able to soak in some sunshine. Yesterday was warm but manageable, with high temperatures topping out in the upper 80s for most of us. The good news? We stayed mostly dry — and that trend continues today for much of the region.

This morning has been a pleasant one across a big part of Upper East Tennessee, with dew points lower than we typically see for August. Temperatures dipped into the 50s and 60s in some spots, giving us that refreshing early fall preview when you step outside. Farther south and west, conditions are a touch more humid, but still fairly comfortable for mid-summer in the Appalachian region.

Sunday’s Forecaset for East Tennessee
As we move through the day, expect high temperatures to reach the upper 80s, with some communities hitting the low 90s. While these numbers are right on par for early August, humidity levels are creeping up. That will push heat index values into the low 90s this afternoon.

If you’re planning to grill out, take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or enjoy an evening on the porch, you’re in good shape. By 6 PM, we’ll be hovering near 86°, and by 10 PM, we’ll slip back into the upper 70s. A warm but comfortable evening sets the stage for what’s shaping up to be a hot, sticky week ahead.

Looking Ahead – Heat and Humidity are on the Rise
Our big weather story this week is the ridge of high pressure building over the Southeast. This setup will keep daytime highs in the upper 80s to near 90° for several days in a row. Morning lows will stay warm as well, sitting in the upper 60s and low 70s.

By midweek, dew points will climb noticeably, making it feel much warmer. Wednesday through Friday, expect heat index values in the mid to upper 90s, and a few places could flirt with triple digits. This is when heat safety becomes extra important — wear light clothing, take frequent breaks if working outdoors, and drink plenty of water.

Rain Chances This Week
Even though we’ll be hot, the humidity means we’ll also have a better chance for pop-up thunderstorms. Here’s the breakdown:

• Sunday: 20% chance of a passing shower or storm.

• Monday & Tuesday: 30% chance of showers and storms, mainly in the afternoon.

• Wednesday through Friday: Around 40%, with Thursday looking like the best day for more widespread rain and storms as a disturbance moves through the Tennessee Valley.

Any storms that develop could bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. While we’re not expecting a washout week, you’ll want to keep the East Tennessee Weather app handy for real-time radar and alerts.

Tropical Update: Watching the Tropics

Farther east in the Atlantic, a tropical wave has a 70% chance of developing as it moves westward. While it’s too early to know the exact impacts, now is the time to make sure your hurricane preparedness plans are in place — even here in East Tennessee, where tropical remnants can bring flooding rains.

Remember, peak hurricane season is September 10, so we’re just getting started. We’ll keep you updated here and on the East Tennessee Weather app with the latest track forecasts, storm alerts, and preparedness tips.

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