Near-Record Highs Today & Tomorrow, Then Much Needed Rain & A Cool Down

Good morning! High pressure remains dominant across the Deep South and that will contribute to a warm air mass not only today but also tomorrow. As a result, we are looking at near-record highs. A few clouds will pass through at times as well, but expect plenty of sunshine in total. The records are as follows:
Today
Oak Ridge: 80 degrees
Knoxville: 79 degrees
Wednesday (the 8th)
Oak Ridge: 80 degrees
Knoxville: 81 degrees

Please reach out if you would like official records for other sites across the area or region.

Currently, a frontal boundary is stalled out along the Ohio River. A low pressure system is expected to develop along the boundary on the lee side of the Rockies, forcing the front north as a warm front. As a result, even warmer air will be on tap for Wednesday, with highs pushing the upper 70s to low 80s. Now, the good news! As the low pressure systems moves east, an attendant cold front will take aim at the region. Clouds increase beginning Wednesday night (also gusty winds tomorrow night), then a gradual increase in shower chances. Rain chances will be very low Wednesday night into Thursday, but picking up sharply by Thursday night into Friday. Lingering showers will remain possible on Veterans Day, before drier air fills back in on Sunday. Overall, rainfall amounts are sufficient but by far not enough to counter the drought we have. Amounts between 0.25 and 0.75" are expected across all of East Tennessee.

So what do longer term outlooks point to? Another very warm air mass, but also a chance at some additional rainfall. A sharp ridge/high pressure will fill next week, leading to dry and warm air. As this breaks down into the middle of the month, where better rainfall chances will present themselves, and we will keep our fingers crossed this brings above average precipitation amounts.

Several wildfires have been reported and seen across East Tennessee so far this month as a result of the very dry conditions. Please do not burn and follow all local burn bans and laws that are in place. We are in need of lots of rain, and we'll see a taste of that later in the work week but hope for more to come, thereafter.

Pre-recorded for 5pm weather broadcast