


Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Knoxville/Tri Cities, TN
Issued by NWS Knoxville/Tri Cities, TN
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469 FXUS64 KMRX 161120 AFDMRX Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Morristown TN 720 AM EDT Wed Jul 16 2025 ...New AVIATION... .SHORT TERM... (Today and tonight) Issued at 137 AM EDT Wed Jul 16 2025 Key Messages: 1. Scattered storms are expected this afternoon into the evening with strong winds and localized flooding possible in some storms. 2. Hot and humid conditions will continue with highs rising into the 90s and heat index values around 100 degrees. Discussion: Currently early this morning, weak flow is in place aloft with broad ridging and embedded shortwaves across much of the eastern U.S. A shortwave is noted in the Great Plains with convection ongoing. A weak tropical disturbance is also expected to move along the northern Gulf. Overall, the pattern will remain fairly similar to yesterday with weak flow aloft and hot and humid conditions. MLCAPE of 1,500 to 2,000 J/kg can be expected again with nearly 0 shear. This will continue the low-end threat for strong winds and localized flooding. At the time of this discussion, convection is ongoing across the mountains, and its coverage could enhance the flooding threat for those areas today. However, many of the CAMs are limited with coverage this afternoon and evening. Some activity may continue overnight as we have seen this past night. && .LONG TERM... (Thursday through Tuesday) Issued at 137 AM EDT Wed Jul 16 2025 Key Messages: 1. Daily chances for showers and storms will continue through the whole period. Strong winds and localized flooding will remain possible within some storms. 2. Hot and humid conditions will also continue through the period with highs reaching into the 90s across the Valley and heat index values around 100 degrees. Thursday through Saturday At the start of the period, quasi-zonal flow will be in place with 500mb heights in excess of 5,920m. The weak tropical system referenced in the short term period is expected to be moving into southern Louisiana and Mississippi. A frontal boundary will also be advancing towards the Ohio River Valley. This will continue the summer pattern with weak flow aloft and similar thermodynamics as in the short term period. Hot and humid conditions and diurnal convection can be expected to continue. Better moisture (PWATs near 2 inches) will move into our area late in the week as the tropical system dissipates and progresses northward. The front is likely to weaken as it settles near the Ohio River Valley on Friday, which, combined with increased moisture, will make the case for better convective coverage. The frontal boundary will weaken on Saturday, but elevated convective coverage can be expected due to remaining impressive moisture. As in recent days, localized flooding and isolated strong storms will remain possible. Sunday through Tuesday Sunday into early next week, general ridging is expected to prevail across the eastern U.S. with some variations in the exact pattern seen locally. Some sources are more aggressive with ridging expanding from the south while others suggest increasing shortwaves. Regardless, 500mb heights will remain above 5,900m, along with abundant moisture in the area to support continued convection. Hot and humid conditions will also persist, but the current data suggests the region to remain below advisory criteria and in line with typical July heat. && .AVIATION... (12Z TAFS) Issued at 507 AM EDT Wed Jul 16 2025 Will see scattered showers and storms around again especially this afternoon/evening, and will include prob30 groups all sites during time of highest probability. Outside of any convection, will have a VFR forecast for the period all sites. However, if rain occurs at any site this afternoon or evening the chance for fog/low cigs will be enhanced late in the period. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Chattanooga Airport, TN 95 75 95 76 / 30 20 40 20 Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport, TN 93 75 93 74 / 40 40 40 30 Oak Ridge, TN 93 73 93 74 / 50 30 50 30 Tri Cities Airport, TN 90 70 89 70 / 40 50 70 40 && .MRX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NC...NONE. TN...NONE. VA...NONE. && $$ SHORT TERM...BW LONG TERM....BW AVIATION...