Good morning, everyone — and happy Tuesday!
I’m meteorologist Mike Witcher with your full East Tennessee weather forecast. Thanks for checking in with me here on the East Tennessee Weather App, on YouTube, or at eastTNweather.com.
We’ve got a cold front moving into East Tennessee today, and that’s going to bring us elevated rain chances and a few thunderstorms before cooler, drier air settles in for the rest of the week. But before we dive into the details — check out these amazing photos you sent in through the app!
Today’s Setup – A Cold Front is Approaching
Let’s talk about what’s happening in the atmosphere today.
We’ve got a trough over the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, helping to push a cold front eastward toward the Tennessee Valley. Our ridge of high pressure to the south has been flattened, allowing this front to gain some momentum.
Ahead of the front, warm air and moisture are streaming northward — that’s what’s creating those mid-level clouds this morning and will fuel locally heavy downpours later today.
Timing the Rain:
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Morning: Most of us stay dry early on.
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Late Morning to Afternoon: A few scattered showers develop, especially north of Interstate 40 and west of I-75 — mainly the northern Plateau and up toward the Kentucky border.
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Evening (3–7 PM): Showers begin to increase in coverage. Areas west of Knoxville and north of I-40 see the first wave.
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Overnight: This is when the main line of rain and a few rumbles of thunder will move through. Most of us will hear the rain while we’re sleeping.
By Wednesday morning, the front will have shifted southeast, and the rain will be tapering off — leaving us with clouds, patchy fog, and some lingering mist early in the day.
Temperatures – Warm Before the Storm, Cooler Air Settles In
This morning feels mild, with readings in the 60s and low 70s across the valley. Afternoon highs will reach the upper 70s to low 80s, running about 5 to 6 degrees above average. The Plateau and northern counties will stay cooler thanks to thicker clouds and earlier rain.
Tonight, temperatures fall into the upper 60s to near 70°, and by tomorrow, the cooler, drier air begins to filter in.
Midweek Outlook – Sunshine Returns
Behind the front, dew points will drop, bringing that crisp, comfortable air we love this time of year. Wednesday afternoon will feel dramatically different — lower humidity, more sunshine, and highs back near 76°, which is right around average for early October.
The rest of the week looks beautiful:
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Thursday & Friday: Mostly sunny, highs in the 70s, cool mornings in the 50s.
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Weekend: Gorgeous fall weather continues — sunny, seasonal, and dry.
Neyland Stadium Forecast – UT vs Arkansas
Big weekend coming up in Knoxville! The Vols take on the Razorbacks Saturday at 4:15 PM. Here’s the early game-day forecast:
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Morning tailgates: Mid-50s, cool and comfortable.
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Noon: Near 70°.
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Kickoff: Mid-70s with sunshine and light winds.
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Evening: 60s by the end of the game — absolutely perfect football weather.
7 Day Forecast Summary -
Tuesday: Showers late, breezy, 81°.
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Wednesday: Morning rain, clearing skies, 76°.
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Thursday–Friday: Sunshine, 70s, cool mornings.
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Saturday–Sunday: Pleasant, dry, and seasonal.
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Next Week: Another system may brush the region, but overall, we’re trending dry and mild.
Looking Ahead
While this front brings a quick cooldown, long-range models suggest temperatures will rebound above average later next week as another ridge builds back into the Southeast.
So, enjoy the refreshing, crisp fall air while it’s here — and keep those photos coming on the East Tennessee Weather App!
And if you’re short on time, check out Witcher’s One Minute Weather — your entire forecast in just 60 seconds — available on the app, YouTube, and eastTNweather.com.
Have a fantastic Tuesday, everybody — and keep an umbrella handy for those evening showers!
