The High Pressure Bubble

Good afternoon! Another mild one (temperature-wise) today with highs to be around 80 degrees. This is generally our average for this time of the year, so enjoy it while it lasts. Looking at the future surface map, high pressure will build in just to the east. Because areas of high pressure spin clockwise, the return flow (or the flow on the left side of the high) will pull in warm southerly air. This will increase our temperatures as well as keep sunshine locked in place Wednesday and onward. 

A quick look ahead shows highs Friday and through the weekend around 90 for some areas of East Tennessee. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to find Chattanooga and the lower Tennessee Valley in the lower 90's throughout the weekend. This isn't record-beating or extremely uncommon to get a big warm-up in late May. For reference, the record for May 22nd is 96 degrees and we are expecting highs around 90, so plenty of wiggle room.

Though we have seen little if any shower/sprinkle activity today, that nuisance will continue through the afternoon and early evening tonight. As high pressure builds in from the north and east, skies will clear throughout the night and into Wednesday, with lots of sunshine the remainder of the work week. A few clouds will be possible at times, but again, the biggest threat will be the heat. We will progressively get warmer Wednesday through Saturday. I will add the threat of drought is on the rise. Because we have picked up little rainfall the past several days and don't anticipate to through the remainder of the week, drought conditions could begin spawning up across the state. We will keep a close eye on this ahead and give you the latest on how this might impact our region. 

With well above average temperatures in the forecast, be sure to keep your heat safety in mind. Thankfully, it won't be as humid as your typical summer-time heat, but still will be uncomfortable for some. Drink lots of water, take breaks, and find a way to get cool if you plan to be outside for extended periods of time (especially this weekend). 

                                                                     Pre-recorded for 5pm show