Shower and Thunderstorm Chances Continue....

Forecast Discussion:

The shower and thunderstorms chances continue today with best chances across the higher terrain and then drifting into some of the Valley locations.  I expect highs to be in the lower to mid 90s.  I do expect the trend of afternoon thunderstorms to exist through this week into the weekend.  It does look like temperatures will increase into the upper 90s this weekend as the ridge moves east again into East Tennessee.  These higher temperatures coupled with dewpoints in the upper 60s to lower 70s will make for a hot and sticky weekend.  Models have indicated a trough digging south into the area early next week which could lower the temperatures a bit and give way to better chances of showers and thunderstorms.  I will monitor to forecasts and hope for some changes to the heat.  Remember to stay safe for the 4th and watch out for showers and thunderstorms to develop with little warning.

NCEP 06Z GFS 500mb Heights and Vorticity Forecast for Saturday 7/7/2012 and Monday 7/9/2012 at 21Z/5 PM EDT

Another Day of Records Possible....

Another day of records are expected today with highs getting into the lower 100s again.  I do expect showers and thunderstorms to increase as moisture returns to the region.  Most of the showers and storms will begin across the higher terrain.  Computer models do indicate that the area will begin to move back into the lower 90s going into this work week.  This will be nice compared to the 100+ highs we have been experiencing.  Stay cool out there and drink plenty of water.

Heat Advisory and Air Quality alert continues for most of East Tennessee today.

The Heat Continues....

Sorry for the lack of update this morning as it has been another busy weekend.  Hope all have stayed indoors today.  This marks another day in the 100s and this one was one for the record books.

Records For Today:

• Knoxville broke the record of 100 set back in 1952 with a high of 105 and this also broke the all-time record high of 104 set on July 12, 1930.
• Chattanooga broke the record of 103 set in 1952 with a high of 107 and this also broke the all-time record high of 106 set on July 28, 1952 and June 29, 2012.
• Tri-Cities broke the record of 95 set back in 1959 with a high of 103 and this also broke the all-time record high of 102 set on July 29, 1952 and June 29, 2012.

All the official recording stations in the area set all-time record highs today with the ridge firmly in place across the region.  This hot weather will be sticking around and the return of the moisture also.  The return of moisture also means the return of isolated thunderstorms mainly in the higher elevations.  Remember to take breaks and avoid the outdoors if possible.

The Heat Is On....

Well the temperature will begin to really heat up today as high pressure dominates the area.  I expect highs today in the mid to upper 90s for most locations.  I do expect this trend to continue with highs expected to get in the lower 100s for Friday and Saturday.  I do not expect any precipitation even into early next week with temperatures staying in the upper 90s.  Everyone that has plans outside this weekend should make sure you take frequent breaks, limit exposure to the sun, and drink plenty of water.


Heat Tips: 

• Take frequent breaks
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit time outdoors
• Keep pets indoors

Also for those who have problems breathing there is a Air Quality Alert for today code ORANGE for most of East Tennessee.

airnow.gov AQI Forecast for today

Change is in the air

Just wanted to say that I have the time to begin blogging again and plan to update the blog on a more regular basis with weather information for Eastern Tennessee.  I hope you find my blog useful and look forward to feedback.

Forecast Discussion:

It does look like the areas weather pattern will switch from the rain we encountered early this week to a more tranquil pattern.  The area will be under surface high pressure along with translated upper level ridge.  Temperatures across the area will stay in the mid to upper 80s and lows in the lower to mid 60s.  We could experience orographic based isolated thunderstorms as is typical across the area during the summer months.  The more interesting weather will be in the far northern plain states where a strengthening upper level low will move through the area resulting in the potential for severe weather.

SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook