Good Morning,
Although the calendar says differently, it sure looks and feels like summer in the south is here, at least this week. Moments where the sun broke through yesterday were toasty, but the clouds did their dance above mountain peaks, sometimes passing by without causing any excitement, other times releasing their watery payload. And when there’s little to no air movement, particularly in the lower elevations, that humidity just amplifies the stickiness of the ascent and even adds a weight to one’s chest. Anyone visiting from out west, used to that “dry” air, can certainly attest to that. Staying adequately nourished and hydrated, while understanding the game of adding or removing layers, will play a significant role in how enjoyable or miserable one's hike can be. Thankfully we’re well past the need for items like puffy jackets and traction devices, but there’s still plenty of essential items you’ll want in tow for all of the climate curveballs that get thrown Mt. LeConte’s way, even in the summer. We still have to get through today and tomorrow before our next forecast break from wet weather. Storm chances will fire up around lunch time today and linger into the afternoon. Thursday’s chances appear strongest in the morning before clearing begins later in the day. Right now, the front chunk of the weekend is looking gorgeous for time spent in the outdoors. Temps will see little variance today, simply sliding between mid 50s and lower 60s. Winds could be a bit gusty with any popup storm’s arrival, but otherwise light and variable over the crest. If it isn’t precipitating, then expect plenty of clouds and hope for brief bits of sun. Have a great day.
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Good Morning,
Clouds as thick as our potato chowder soup have gotten cozy atop Mt. LeConte and the Smokies’ higher peaks this morning. Such conditions certainly make for a moody and mystifying mountain top mixed with mild temps. Hikers will be lucky to catch a glimpse of sunshine between cloud layers today, as isolated storms are on schedule for ramping up this afternoon. So enjoy the moments absent of precip while on trail, but come ready for whenever the skies decide to let loose. We’re in the mid 50s at the moment and could see the mercury ascend into the mid 60s in a few hours. Once rain showers and thunderstorms get started later today, they’ll be expected to hang around through Wednesday and Thursday. Hopefully by the weekend more favorable weather for walks in the wilderness returns. The mountain laurel are really coming into form now throughout the park’s mid elevations. Same can be said for the vibrant purples of the Catawba rhododendron, which will slowly be making their march up toward the higher elevations over the coming weeks. Much of the spring ephemeral ground covers have come and gone, about to be replaced by the likes of galax and wood sorrel depending on the elevation and forest type. You’ll be lucky to stumble upon a flame azalea on the slopes of Mt. LeConte, as they don’t quite have a foothold here like they do at famous places like Gregory or Andrews Bald. A few could be found on Bull Head Trail back in the day, but the November 2016 fire that scorched those slopes seems have sadly done them in. One more reason to not pick plants or flowers, but leave them for all to enjoy and allow them to flourish, reseed, and spread naturally. Have a great day. Good Morning,
With the first of five June weekends in the books, it’s beginning to look and feel like summer in the Smokies now. And the forecast only confirms those sensations. Warmer temps, higher humidity, chance of isolated thunderstorms almost daily, and the landscape fully green from lowest valley to tallest peak. These next few days will be no exception to the norm. Some spotty showers dot the region this morning, and although minimal, the possibility for a random rain shower or two will exist this afternoon. Otherwise we’re looking at skies mixed with sun and clouds. Tuesday onward is more in line with what one would expect for a summer Southern Appalachian day…mostly clear in the morning, clouds building midday, then pop up storms by late afternoon. Temps are sliding upward on average this week too, with highs in the mid to upper 60s on the way, while lows expected in the 50s. So stay nourished and hydrated to stave off the heat and humidity during the hike, and keep the rain poncho close by in case the skies let loose the liquid while on trail or at the top. Have a great day. Good Morning,
Everyone who was able to take advantage of the sunshine yesterday was smart to do so. And boy, did they, as the summit and trails were hopping all day. As anticipated, the rain started during the evening and it’s been hounding the Smokies all morning long. Sunday will be a wet one just about all day as scattered showers and potential thunderstorms pass over the region. Views will be relatively nonexistent with all these thick clouds. Sloppy conditions are expected throughout the coming week, so a reminder to all those with plans for scaling the mountain to pack the rain gear. Temps will hover between 40s and 50s today, but despite the gloomy forecast, conditions in the coming days should slowly warm up compared to how we finished May. We’re talking lows in the 50s and highs in the 60s soon, more typical of June at our elevation. Winds will be choppy today but should ease up by tonight. That beef and gravy and hot chocolate will sure hit the spot for our guests tonight. Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
Sunshine on a Saturday in the Smokies usually means one thing. It’s going to be a busy day on the mountain! We’ll see the thermometer creep close to 60° under a mix of sun and clouds today. Winds will be present over the peaks, gusting as much as 25mph. So hats and sunscreen for those warm moments during the middle of the day. Extra layers for the shade and evening rambles. Late tonight, the weather begins to sour, calling for rain showers and storms all day Sunday. It was a much appreciated streak of sunny days this week, but alas, it’s time for the skies to water the plants. Now that it’s June, we have something bright and cheerful in store for this new month. Visitors to the mountain in May were quick to snatch up that month’s limited edition 100th Season playing cards. Making an appearance today are the limited edition 100th Season tie-dye shirts. Our crew excitedly banded together to sport them proudly for you to admire. These shirts are a great way to brighten everyone’s day, rain or shine, while celebrating this landmark season. Quantities and sizes are limited. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Have a great day. |
LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
June 2024
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