Good afternoon! I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend. As we begin the new work week, temperatures will remain hot and sticky with high's today in the lower 90's. Slightly better news is ahead as a low pressure system (currently in the Gulf) plans to work north and east. This will provide better chances for showers/storms in the afternoon and additional cloud cover at times. Even with a few rounds of showers and some cloud cover at times, high's are expected to hang around that 90 mark through the week. 

A look at model guidance shows the shower activity associated with the low pressure system. As it work northward, spokes of energy will allow for shower and storm activity (mainly in the afternoon hours). This will continue for much of this week before a more summer-like pattern returns the second half of the weekend.

A look into the overall temperatures for the weeks ahead shows unfortunate news. The southern Plains are expected to get hit hard with well above average temperatures and little rainfall. Similar conditions present itself here at home with temperatures more than likely to be at or above average. Rainfall will be minimal the second half of July, so drought is something we'll be keeping a close eye on. Long term models and patterns indicate changes for August with more average conditions (rain & temperatures & a more active Atlantic Ocean), but for now we have to deal with the oppressing heat. 

Showers and storms each day could make things a little cooler at times but overall we will stay very warm. Some of these afternoon storms could be strong to severe at times (similar to Sunday) so be weary and pay attention if you are out and about. 

Good afternoon! It is already a warm one with lunch time temperatures sitting in the mid 80's. A high pressure system is continuing to build in allowing for the heat and humidity to rise today and the days ahead. 

A peak into your Independence Day shows feel-like temperatures in the mid to upper 90's across the region. If you plan to be outdoors for extended periods of time make sure to have plenty of water! High's in the upper 80's and lower 90's is expected to stick around for the foreseeable future. 

With warm and muggy conditions hanging around this weekend and early next week, don't be surprised to see a few afternoon pop up showers and storms. The bulk, as mentioned yesterday, will be in the higher elevations, but a few will likely pass through the valley. As we push into the second half of the weekend and early next week, more widespread activity is expected. The low that brought us lots of rainfall, flash flooding, and a few storms will begin pushing back north (currently along the Gulf). 

As for today and the weekend, stay well hydrated. Heat related illnesses can strike very quickly, so take the proper precautions. Have a wonderful Independence Day and don't forget to send in those pictures!

Sunshine has finally returned across the region as a high moves in from the north. This will continue to stick around for the next several days as major ridging is setting up across the United States. What does that mean for us ahead? Well....VERY warm temperatures and muggy conditions. 

With dew points in the upper 60's and lower 70's, muggy conditions will be present tomorrow, this weekend, and next week. This will make the primary "forcer" orographic lift. This means moist air is forced vertically due to the higher elevations acting as a buffer. This is where we see afternoon pop up showers/ thunderstorms that are short-lived during the summer months. Anticipate this to be the case over the next week or so. With that said, shower activity will be very limited over the next several days. The bulk of any pop up showers/storms will be in the higher elevations, eventually rolling into parts of the valley.

The main threat we'll be eyeing ahead isn't the rainfall, but instead, the temperatures. A look on Independence Day shows heat indices nearing the triple digits for some across the region. This will only continue into Sunday and next week as the "Death Ridge" plays its part. 

Be sure to stay well hydrated this weekend, wear lots of sunscreen, and find plenty of shade if you plan to be outdoors for extended periods of time. A look into the middle and later part of July can be found in the latest video forecast below (Hint: it remains HOT). 

Sick of the rain and cloud cover? So am I. The good news is sunnier skies are back in the forecast. A few isolated to scattered showers are possible this afternoon, otherwise mostly cloudy skies and high's in the lower 80's will be the main story. As a front slowly meanders south, a high pressure system will fill its place. Anticipate decreasing clouds overnight tonight and through Thursday.

This afternoon will be somewhat calm. A few showers and storms from the west will develop but severe potential is very low and not everyone will see rain. Continuing into tonight, cloud cover will begin decreasing allowing for sunshine by Thursday afternoon. Friday and the weekend will be warm, but mostly dry. With that said, an isolated shower/storm or two could pop up in the afternoon hours in the days ahead but these will mainly stay contained to the higher elevations. 

A peak into Independence Day shows sticky and muggy conditions. Afternoon high's will be in the upper 80's to lower 90's (for some) with dew points in the mid to upper 60's and even lower 70's. We call this the "bad hair day" forecast as conditions will feel rather sticky and uncomfortable. Not only does this raise the "feel like temperature" but also could lead to afternoon pop up showers through the weekend. 

For now, keep the umbrellas handy as a few showers are possible the remainder of the day. Sunshine will make a return tomorrow, Friday, and through the weekend. 

We have started the morning relatively calm with temperatures currently in the mid to upper 70's. As we transition from AM to PM, showers are slowly making their way east. Currently residing in middle Tennessee, showers and storms will arrive by the the afternoon and evening hours. 

Just like yesterday, some could be strong to severe at times. In addition to gusty winds and small hail, flash flooding is again a concern. Parts of Knox, Anderson, and Blount counties received 4+ inches of rainfall last evening and more is on the way. If you are in low lying areas or flood prone regions, be sure to take the proper precautions ahead of time. 

As seen below by future radar, showers and storms will continue working east and developing in east Tennessee. The bulk of this activity will fall in the later part of the afternoon and into the evening hours. Getting into the overnight hours, expect mostly cloudy skies and low's in the upper 60's. A very similar pattern sets up for Wednesday with scattered showers and storms throughout the day and the risk for isolated strong to severe thunderstorms. By Thursday afternoon, sunshine will return and temperatures will warm Friday and into the weekend. 

That will do it for now but be sure to check in for updates throughout the later part of today. We received some good reports of flooding, frequent lightning, and gusty winds so please continue that tonight and Wednesday! You can do so by email (SecretCityWx@aol.com) or by social media @SecretCityWx

Showers and a few storms have developed and are working southeast around 15 mph. Heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds are possible with this cell just north of Oak Ridge. As we continue to push into the afternoon hours, expect isolated to scattered showers to continue. 

Future radar shows the activity expected ahead. Working into Tuesday, the bulk of activity will fall the later half of the day. Heavy rains, lightning, gusty winds, and small hail are possible tomorrow afternoon and overnight. Shower and storm activity will continue into Wednesday as well before clearing beings Thursday afternoon. By Friday, sunshine returns and so do the warmer temperatures. 

A peak into tomorrow shows a Marginal risk for the entire state. Scattered showers are possible in the morning hours before widespread activity appears in the afternoon and night. The main threat tomorrow will be gusty winds, small hail, and isolated areas of flash flooding. Keep these in mind as we work through the day and remember to check in for updates! 

With a low to the north, we'll see rounds of activity the next few days. Keep the umbrellas handy and look out for flash flooding potential in heavier showers & storms. Better chances for sunshine and dry air return Friday and the weekend.

Good afternoon and I hope you are enjoying your Friday thus far. Looking at a still shot of the latest CONUS satellite, cloud cover remains for the southern region of our viewing area. Fortunately, this is beginning to thin out as we get toward the PM hours. High's will top out today in the mid to upper 80's with an isolated shower or two possible.

Looking into the weekend and early next week, a front from the west will meander east. This will provide shower and storm activity (bulk of this to the north) the second half of the weekend and early next week. With that said, scattered showers are still more than likely here at home. Our first round of scattered rain will be the second half of tomorrow. From then on, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday will have the chance for scattered showers on and off throughout the day. 

The latest trends show the bulk of precipitation to the north along the front. As winds shift out of the south this evening, higher dew points will slide into the area. I anticipate much of the shower activity later this weekend and into next week to come off the Plateau and from the north and west. Again, shower/ storm activity will be scattered so don't anticipate an all day kind of event. 

Though the later half of the weekend doesn't look as pleasant as today or early tomorrow, there will still be time to enjoy some outdoor activities. If you want to monitor the latest radar, you can do so by clicking on the "Radar" tab at the top of the page. Have a great weekend and we'll let you know the latest!

NewFound Gap is starting to clear out early this afternoon after a foggy start to the day. If you don't have any plans, it would be a great day for a hike. Temperatures will remain below average in the lower 80's (70's for the Smokies).

Turning our attention to what's ahead, there is not a ton to talk about. A few afternoon pop up showers are possible for southern east TN today, but otherwise partly sunny skies will be the main story. Much of the same can be said for Friday and Saturday as well. Isolated pop up showers and thunderstorms will mainly stay contained in the higher elevations with a few rolling through the valley. By Sunday, cloud cover builds with another system moving in. Showers are likely the second half of the day and again into the start of the work week (Monday). 

Today's view of the Sahara dust plume shows it's slowly making its way north. Currently sitting in the Gulf, this will continue to work north and east providing some beautiful sunset/rises Friday and into part of the weekend. If you have the chance to see it, you should!

That will conclude today's forecast but go out and enjoy today as temperatures will remain below average. We also welcome your pictures...if you get a shot of a beautiful sunrise, a hike, lake trip, etc. share with us and we'll be sure to give full credit to you! Simply send it through email (SecretCityWx@aol.com) or tag us on social media (@SecretCityWx).

Happy Hump day to all! A mix of cloud cover and limited sunshine has been the main story so far this morning. As we push into the afternoon, a front will begin to work through. Ahead of this, we could see a few isolated showers by this evening. On the flip side, this will allow for clearing back side (AKA sunnier skies for Thursday).

Thursday and Friday will be relatively the same. Lingering showers will move out by Thursday morning allowing for partly cloudy skies the remainder of the day. To close out the work week Friday, partly sunny with isolated pop up showers/ storms possible. These will stay mainly in the higher elevations, but a stray shower can't be ruled out here in the valley. Temperature-wise, expect to stay in the mid 80's today and tomorrow before warmer temps (mid to upper 80's) arrive Friday and Saturday.   

Shifting gears, something rather interesting is taking place in the Tropics. Strong storms in Africa are kicking up massive plumes of dust from the Sahara. These occur every summer but this is one of the larger ones seen in many years. Taking a look first at the surface map, the Bermuda high, along with the African Easterly Jet, are steering this plume right into the southern US. High pressure systems are associated with clockwise flow, so we'll likely see some of the pros and cons of this dust plume here at home by the weekend. 

To get a view of this plume, check out the "dirty cloud-like mass" south of Florida. This massive plume will begin working north bringing some positives and negatives with it. 

Sahara dust plume pros:
1) These severely reduce tropical development. Tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes are, for the most part, out of the question while these are in the southern Atlantic. 
2) They make for GORGEOUS sunrises and sunsets. With dust particles in the atmosphere, they refract light allowing for the many colors seen during sunrise/sunset. Be sure to pay attention to this as we work towards the weekend.
Sahara dust plume Cons:
1) Awful air quality. Those with underlying health conditions could feel some of the impacts of this plume. The good news is the bulk of this mass will be to our south, so parts of Texas, Louisiana, and others will be affected the most.

It will be exciting to see some pretty sunsets/ sunrises in the days to come, so take advantage if you get the chance! For now, enjoy sunnier skies Thursday with temperatures staying below average. 

Shower activity so far this morning has been moderate through the valley but that will transition to isolated showers this afternoon. In addition to showers beginning to lighten up, temperatures will top out around 80 degrees (7 degrees below average for this time of the year). 

Looking at future radar, a front will move through Wednesday bringing drier air for Thursday and Friday. Until then, cloud cover and isolated shower chances will continue to be in the forecast. By the later half of the week and into the weekend, the general flow will be southern. That means humidity values rise, temperatures rise, and afternoon pop up showers/storms return. 

As for the longer term, little positives are in sight. We will more than likely finish out June and enter July above average (likely in the upper 80's and lower 90's). We have been pretty lucky temperatures-wise so far, but that looks to change in the weeks ahead.  

That will wrap it up for today but keep the umbrellas handy as showers remain possible this afternoon and again into Wednesday.