JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The summer months mark the arrival of warmer weather, and this summer, the chances for hotter temperatures are higher.

East Tennessee State University Professor Andrew Joyner serves as Tennessee’s official climatologist. His job can be described as studying weather patterns over time.

“Our job is to keep a record or at least have access to records of historical climate data and then put current weather and climate in that context,” said Joyner.

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Outdoors Appalachia

On Tuesday, Joyner, along with the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), released their seasonal findings. Those findings showed that above-average temperatures are possible this summer.

“CPC has predicted that [Tennessee] will have a higher chance of above average temperatures for the summer,” said Joyner. “But maybe not as extreme or high of a chance as the northeast of the U.S. or in the southwest of the U.S.”

Although the findings indicate the heat won’t be excessive, Joyner said the potential for a heat wave can’t be ruled out.

“That’s likely,” said Joyner, “Any point in time in the summer where you have this short period of time where you would need to put precautions in place.”

When it comes to dealing with the hot temperatures, Joyner said the most important thing to do is listen to yourself.

“During higher heat days, higher humidity days, just be aware of what your body is telling you,” said Joyner.

In addition to expecting serious heat, Joyner and the CPC also predict more rain in East Tennessee is likely.

Joyner said these findings are predictions and have the possibility to change as the summer goes on.

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