Near Average To End The Work Week

As expected, conditions have improved across the eastern half of the state. Unfortunately, the same can't be said across the west. Comparing the current map to last weeks (bottom), you can see small areas of severe drought have inched their way elsewhere. This will be something to continue monitoring, especially as rainfall continues to look on the lower end for these locations. On to the good news, East Tennessee is beginning to recover nicely. After multiple rounds of rain, some of which were very heavy, normal to abnormally dry conditions now dominate the area with continued improvement likely by next week.

Current Drought Map

Last Week's Drought Map

In terms of rainfall ahead, high pressure is in place and will remain so through tomorrow. This isn't to say an isolated shower can't pop up across the Smokies, but most will stay dry and warming. As we work into the weekend, muggier conditions find us, leading to the opportunity for afternoon pop up showers and storms during the afternoon. The chances are low, but not ruled out each day. By Monday, a frontal boundary will be nearing the region, bringing much better potential early next week. 

Take advantage of these conditions, highs are near to slightly above average today and tomorrow, before muggier conditions find us Saturday through early next week. Check out our video broadcast below for more.

                                                                     Pre-recorded for 5pm show