Storm System Passes By Tonight Thru Midweek

Several things to discuss, so we will jump right into it! MUCH needed rain is on the way! A strong autumn low pressure system is expected to pass by through Tuesday, bringing a widespread soaking rainfall. This should be our much needed "drought buster," but more rain is needed to get back to normal. As far as what can be expected, generally cloudy through today, with a few sprinkles at times this afternoon. Showers really begin ramping up late this evening and through the night, with widespread rains into Tuesday (don't forget the umbrellas tomorrow). Activity will taper off tomorrow night, with lingering showers possible with a second disturbance on Wednesday. High pressure then fills back in, bringing dry weather Wednesday night and Thanksgiving Day. 

Healthy rainfall amounts are in the forecast, with amounts between 0.75" and 1.5." This will really help the exceptional drought (4/4) in the southern valley and extreme drought (3/4) much of the state faces. Unfortunately, it won't be reflected until next week's release. That said, it should take us to great lengths, with the exceptional drought likely coming off the table later next week. We will also have the opportunity for a few other hit and miss showers Friday to early Saturday as well. 

Another aspect of this forecast, aside from the widespread rain, will be winds. This system will allow for a breezy overnight and Tuesday, with gusts varying across East Tennessee. Here is what you can expect depending on your location:

Smokies (under a high wind warning): sustained 15-30 mph, gusts up to 75 mph
Valley: sustained 5-15 mph, gusts up to 35 mph
Plateau: sustained 10-20, gusts up to 50 mph

Winds are expected to increase overnight, peaking into Tuesday morning before petering out through the rest of the day from west to east. Check out what the strong gradient does for possible wind gusts on the image below. (The image below is NOT a forecast, but a simulated model run)

That's going to do it for today. Hold on to your hats, and especially consider any outdoor decorations you may have, as it'll be a breezy tonight into Tuesday. Don't forget to check out our video forecast below as well! We'll have a full Thanksgiving Day forecast in the days to come, but expectations are for a mild and dry day.