The Smokies had to be the happening place yesterday with a welcome resurgence of sunny skies. The beautiful conditions combined with what was likely a vast number of vacationers’ last summer hurrahs had trails, overlooks, and other popular destinations absolutely packed. Some cap clouds tip-toed on and around the peaks of Mt. LeConte, but the summit still received more natural light and dry weather than it’s experienced in quite some time, or at least if feels that way. And what’s better is that we could have ourselves a streak of pleasant days this week. Temps are going to hold firm in the 50s at night and near 70° during the day, and although minimal chances of rain are possible every afternoon this week, clearer skies will be the dominant storyline for a change. Views of East TN and western NC will assuredly be grand from the mountain’s many famous overlooks.
We’re of course keeping an eye on minor Hurricane Debby to our south. It doesn’t appear to have the national park in its crosshairs, so no threat of unusual winds or flooding to our area at this time. If that script changes we will of course let everyone know what to expect. Now that we’re a couple months in to the Atlantic hurricane season, this is as good a time as any to remind folks of the potential for exciting tropical weather to reach us here, even in landlocked Southern Appalachia. Every couple years, a storm of sizable strength and scale finds its way over the Smokies from August through October. Sometimes these cyclones produce enough wind and rain to wreak havoc on park roads and trails, causing temporary closures in advance or during cleanup. It’s important for visitors to follow the tracks of these mega-storms and to have backup plans in place should they affect your visit to the lodge. Fingers crossed nothing of the sort happens over these next couple months, but always best to be prepared!
Have a great day.
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