The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, welcoming over 13 million visitors annually. Yet despite this massive visitation, the park and surrounding region lacks a dedicated, comprehensive weather monitoring and forecasting system that accounts for its unique microclimates.
Weather in the Smokies varies dramatically by elevation, terrain, and location. A sunny day in Gatlinburg can mean snow at Clingmans Dome. Understanding these variations isn't just convenient - it's essential for visitor safety, resource management, and trip planning.
Smokies WeatherNet is building the first weather network specifically designed for the Great Smoky Mountains region. Our vision includes:
50 Weather Stations: 25 inside the park at strategic elevations and locations, plus 25 in surrounding areas, providing unprecedented coverage of the region's microclimates.
Real-Time Data: Current conditions updated continuously, giving visitors and locals instant access to hyperlocal weather information.
Advanced Forecasting: AI-powered forecasts that understand the unique weather patterns of the Smokies, delivering accurate predictions for specific locations and elevations.
Safety Focus: Rapid alerts for severe weather, road conditions, and hazardous situations - helping keep millions of visitors safe.
We're currently in beta, using publicly available weather stations to demonstrate our platform and build the technology that will power the full network. As we secure partnerships and permissions, we'll deploy our proprietary station network throughout the park.
Visitors & Tourists: Plan trips with confidence, know what to pack, and stay safe during your Smokies adventure.
Local Residents: Understand your immediate weather conditions and receive alerts relevant to your specific location.
Park Management: Data-driven insights for resource allocation, visitor safety, and operational planning.
Tourism Industry: Help guests make informed decisions and enhance their experience with accurate weather information.
Researchers & Educators: Access to comprehensive historical data and insights into Smoky Mountain weather patterns.
Smokies WeatherNet is a growing project, and we welcome partnerships, sponsorships, and collaboration. If you have a weather station or camera you'd like to contribute, or if you're interested in supporting this initiative, please reach out through our social media channels.
This is just the beginning. Our roadmap includes GPS-based travel alerts, personalized AI forecasters, minute-by-minute precipitation tracking, and a comprehensive historical database. We're building the weather resource the Smokies deserves.