Twin States Weather Blog

Gatlinburg Trip...and Weather Update

* As advertised, I've posted a bit of a rundown and some pictures from my trip to Gatlinburg, TN over the weekend. The Smokies are one of my favorite places, and I heartily recommend a weekend up there as a family or group of friends. Scroll down for pics and brief descriptions. If you're going up there and want a recommendation on a great place to stay, e-mail me at josh.johnson@wtok.com. Our group was very pleased with our accommodations.

* In the world of weather...I can't help but notice the cold air building across Russia. Pevek, Russia reports -26 degrees F at the 3:00 hour, and many other cities across Polar areas are reporting record cold temperatures. While the upper air pattern won't allow any of that to head our way at the moment, I believe we will see a turn to dramatically colder weather for early February. And, if the subtropical jet continues to be active and transport moisture in here, we could have at least the chance of some wintry weather at some point during the first half of February. I am NOT forecasting snow - just a general discussion of the weather pattern for February.

* Closer to here and now...Our rain chances are low until Friday, when moisture will really begin to move in to the Deep South. Showers and a thunderstorm are likely Friday night into Saturday morning. The best chance of a thunderstorm and some heavy rain will come along and south of U.S. Highway 80. Any severe weather should be very, very isolated - and near the coast. Instability values this far north do not support severe thunderstorms.

posted by WTOK Weather Staff @ 4:19 PM