A semi-urgent weather heads up for Tuesday: Heat, humidity and the potential for stronger thunderstorms will impact parts of the Smokies region.

From the Smokies.LIVE Storm Center
Meteorologist Kyle Grainger

Storms will be hit-or-miss, but some could become strong to severe Tuesday afternoon and evening. The biggest concern will be gusty winds, heavy rainfall and lightning.

⚠️ Tuesday Storm Timing

• Morning: Hot and humid with patchy fog possible in mountain valleys.
• Afternoon: Storm chances increase, especially after 2 p.m.
• Evening: This is the timeframe to watch for stronger storms.
• Storms gradually weaken overnight, but a few showers may linger.

🌩️ Possible Storm Impacts

A few stronger storms could bring:

• Strong wind gusts
• Frequent lightning
• Heavy downpours
• Brief visibility issues while driving
• Isolated flooding where storms repeatedly move over the same area

🔥 Heat & Humidity

• Tuesday will be one of the hottest and most humid days of the week.
• Heat index values could reach the upper 90s to low 100s.
• Take breaks, stay hydrated and use extra caution if spending extended time outdoors.

📍 Tennessee Side of the Mountains

Gatlinburg | Pigeon Forge | Knoxville

• Periods of isolated to scattered showers and storms continue through Tuesday.
• A few storms could become strong to severe Tuesday afternoon and evening.
• Main threats: gusty winds, lightning and heavy rainfall.
• Not everyone will see a storm, but storms that develop could quickly become impactful.

📍 North Carolina Side of the Mountains

Cherokee | Maggie Valley | Waynesville

Tuesday will be a hot and stormy afternoon, especially after 4 p.m.

Forecast:

• Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 p.m.
• Patchy fog possible before 9 a.m.
• Partly sunny skies early with a high near 91°.
• Heat index values could reach 100°.
• Storm chance: 60%
• Winds may increase during storms, with gusts up to 20 mph possible.

Tuesday Night:

• Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m.
• A chance of showers continues through the overnight hours.
• Low around 68°.
• Additional rainfall amounts generally light, but higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.

🌤️ Looking Ahead

The good news: the pattern begins to improve after Tuesday.

• Drier conditions return mid to late week.
• Humidity levels gradually decrease.
• More comfortable weather arrives for outdoor plans.

Smokies.LIVE Storm Center Reminder: Tuesday is not a complete washout, but it is a day to stay weather aware. If you have outdoor plans, keep Smokies.LIVE Radar nearby and have a plan to move indoors if storms approach.

The Smokies.LIVE Storm Center is following the threat for severe storms on Tuesday. The primary threat will be Tuesday evening.