Rain and storm chances continue this week. Holiday weekend is looking uncertain.
It’s starting to feel like summertime in the south, with warmer temperatures and scattered storms almost daily. The warmer air associated with summer creates unstable atmospheric conditions, which often lead to thunderstorms. This week is no exception. Remember, lightning can strike from 10 miles away, so just because it isn’t pouring rain or the storm hasn't reached your exact location yet doesn’t mean it’s safe to be outside.
This morning felt nice with cloudy skies and warm temperatures, but don’t let the pleasant weather fool you because there is a chance for scattered showers throughout the day, mainly in Alabama. Bring an umbrella today if you need to run any errands. Other than the rain, temps will peak in the mid to upper 70s, and because of the humidity, it will probably feel a little muggy outside. Tonight’s lows are expected in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Showers may linger into the late evening, but chances are low.
It looks like the majority of the rain will clear out by Wednesday morning, but keep your rain jacket out because showers and storms will return again by the afternoon. It will continue to feel muggy outside because of the rain and warmer temperatures. Some places will experience 80-degree weather tomorrow, but the majority of the Tennessee Valley will have temperatures peaking in the upper 70s. Nighttime temperatures are expected to stick in the lower 60s. We were all excited for the break from the rain on Thursday, but it looks like the GFS model hints towards rain becoming more likely, and we are increasing our forecast to a 20% chance. The overall weather will be similar to Wednesday, with slight relief from showers and storms that morning and then returning again by the afternoon. High temperatures will be in the upper 70s to lower 80s and fall to the cooler upper 50s and lower 60s that night.
Moving on to the holiday weekend, the first half looks slightly soggy, with scattered showers and thunderstorms continuing Friday and Saturday. Friday looks particularly dreary with a higher chance for showers and storms, especially that afternoon if you live in southern-middle Tennessee. You don’t have to completely cancel your weekend plans, but definitely prepare to move indoors if you hear thunder or see lightning. Northern Alabama looks slightly drier than middle Tennessee on Friday, but we can’t completely rule out showers or storms. In addition to the rain, high temperatures for both Friday and Saturday are expected to be in the upper 70s to lower 80s again. Friday and Saturday nighttime temps are expected to be in the mid to upper 50s; however, temperatures will likely be slightly cooler Friday night compared to Saturday night due to increased cloud cover trapping some heat in on Saturday.
If you have been hoping for a break from the rain so far, it looks like Sunday is the day. Sunday is expected to have dry conditions and partly cloudy skies, with warm temperatures peaking in the mid-to-upper 70s for the day. It looks like the perfect weather for going to church, running errands, or spending some time outdoors. Sunday night temperatures will fall to the mid-to upper-50s, and dry weather carries over into the beginning of next week.
On Monday, there is a chance for a stray shower but otherwise, it’s clear, so go outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Temperatures are expected to warm up slightly, with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s. It might feel warmer due to the combination of sunshine and high humidity Monday morning, but it will start to feel much cooler by Monday evening as humidity starts to drop and the sun starts to go down. Temperatures are expected to cool to the lower 60s Monday night, and the weather will stay clear through the night.
Overall, the weather does look a little damp this week, but don’t let that rain on your parade. If rain and storms do interfere with your plans, have fun indoors. You can work on your summer reading, play a board game, or watch a movie. Temperatures stay in the 70s and 80s throughout the week, and most days it will feel muggy outside, so dress appropriately. If you are looking for the best day to make outdoor plans, Sunday looks like the driest day.