Good morning, everyone!
I’m meteorologist Mike Witcher, and thanks for checking in with your local forecast on this Sunday. We’ve got showers already moving through the region early this morning, and they’ll hang around for much of the day as a cold front pushes across East Tennessee. Some of these storms could turn strong this afternoon, especially across Upper East Tennessee — mainly along the I-81, I-26, and I-40 corridors — as the main cold front comes through.
Morning Rain – Afternoon Storms
This morning’s rain is beneficial, bringing much-needed moisture to the area. While we’re seeing some lightning early, most of this batch of rain will stay non-severe. The main concern comes later today as the cold front moves in, bringing a brief window for stronger storms between noon and 4 PM.
Timing It Out
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Morning (now–10 AM): Steady rain, a few rumbles of thunder, no severe threat.
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Midday (Noon–3 PM): Cold front pushes through, scattered storms — a few could be gusty in Upper East Tennessee.
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Evening (4–7 PM): Rain moves out, winds shift northwest, and skies begin to clear.
Rainfall totals should range from a quarter-inch to just over an inch, depending on where heavier downpours set up.
Strong Winds – Main Story Today
Wind is going to be a big factor through the day. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 2 PM for Scott and Campbell Counties as well as the Smoky Mountains, with gusts up to 50–55 mph possible.
The rest of East Tennessee is under a Special Weather Statement for gusts up to 35 mph through 5 PM.
As the cold front passes, winds shift from the south to the west/northwest, remaining gusty through the early afternoon before easing around sunset.
Temperature Roller Coaster
We’re starting the day mild and muggy, with many areas in the 60s and 70s — much warmer than Saturday morning. But that won’t last long.
As the front comes through, temperatures will drop steadily through the afternoon and evening.
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Morning highs: Low to mid-70s
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Afternoon: Temperatures fall into the mid-60s
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Evening: Down into the lower 60s and upper 50s
You’ll definitely notice the chill setting in by tonight!
Looking Ahead – More Cool, Dry Air on the Way
Another cold front arrives Tuesday, bringing a reinforcing shot of cooler, drier air. This one looks to be a mainly dry system, but it will help drop temperatures even further — perfect fall weather by midweek.
By next weekend, another system begins to develop out west and could lift northeast, bringing our next chance of rain late Saturday into Sunday (around a 20–30% chance).
Pattern Overview
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Today: Rain and gusty winds, temperatures falling through the day
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Monday–Tuesday: Breezy, cooler, and dry
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Midweek: Crisp fall air, lows in the 40s, highs in the 60s
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Next Weekend: Slightly warmer with a chance for scattered showers
Even with this short-term cool-down, the Climate Prediction Center still favors above-average temperatures beyond the 7-day forecast, so this fall pattern may not last long.
Quick Recap
️ Morning rain, afternoon storms (few strong east)
Gusty winds 30–55 mph at times
️ Temps fall from 70s to 50s by tonight
Another cold front Tuesday – cooler, drier air midweek
️ Slight rain chance returns next weekend
As always, you can stay updated all day with Witcher’s One Minute Weather and the interactive radar on the East Tennessee Weather App. Just search East Tennessee Weather — all one word — in your app store.
Stay safe, keep the rain gear handy, and I’ll see you back here soon with more updates!
