Afternoon storms to return across Great Smoky Mountains through week’s end

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday night before gradually tapering off. Overnight temperatures will remain warm, with lows near 70 degrees.

(GATLINBURG, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE — Hot and humid conditions will continue across the Great Smoky Mountains through the end of the workweek, with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms expected each day, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will begin with mostly sunny skies before showers and thunderstorms become possible after 2 p.m. Smokies.LIVE Forecasters expect a high near 89 degrees with light west winds around 5 mph. Rain chances increase to 50%, although many locations could remain dry outside of isolated thunderstorms. Any storms that develop could produce locally heavy rainfall.

A few showers and thunderstorms may linger into Wednesday night before diminishing after midnight. Overnight lows are expected to fall to around 69 degrees.

Rain chances increase Thursday as showers and thunderstorms become more likely during the afternoon and evening. The greatest potential for storms is expected between midafternoon and early evening, with temperatures reaching around 88 degrees. The chance of measurable rainfall climbs to 60%.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday night before gradually tapering off. Overnight temperatures will remain warm, with lows near 70 degrees.

Friday is forecast to be the wettest day of the period. Scattered morning showers are expected to become more widespread by midday, with numerous showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High temperatures will again approach 89 degrees, while west winds of around 10 mph could produce gusts up to 20 mph. Rain chances increase to 80%.

Visitors planning hikes, sightseeing or other outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains should monitor weather conditions closely, as thunderstorms can develop quickly during the afternoon and produce frequent lightning, brief heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Those on exposed ridges, overlooks and waterways should be prepared to seek shelter if storms approach.

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