🌡️ One More Hot Day, Then Burn Permits and a 39-Degree Night — Your Valley Weather, Garden & Farm Wednesday

Or: Burn Season Starts Tomorrow, Dig Sweet Potatoes While It’s Warm, and Bring a Jacket to Saturday’s Market

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and take your time. It is a clear, calm start in the Valley. The National Weather Service says today will be sunny with a high near 88.

Since Tuesday’s edition, the cool-down has edged a little cooler. National Weather Service Dunlap (updated about 6 a.m. Central today) still shows highs near 88 today and Thursday — your last two summer-warm afternoons. Then a breezy Friday front, and the weekend numbers moved: Saturday’s high is now near 63 (it was 65 yesterday), and Saturday night’s low is near 39 (it was about 40).

Here is the short version: use today and Thursday for harvest and garden chores. Free burn permits begin tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15. Dig sweet potatoes this week before the cold nights. The Dunlap Farmers Market opens Saturday at 9 a.m., when it should be about 48 degrees. And Saturday night is the night to cover or bring in tender plants.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Today–Thu.: Sunny and summer-warm, highs near 88. Dry. Last calm chore window.
• Tomorrow (Thu., Oct. 15): Free burn permits required starting today. New Drought Monitor map due.
• Friday: High near 78, breezy from the northwest. Gusts could reach about 25 mph; Friday night gusts may reach 30 mph. Poor day to burn.
• Weekend: Saturday high near 63; Saturday night low near 39. Clear and calm overnight — patchy frost possible in hollows and higher ground.
• Market: Sat., Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Harris Park, with Young Entrepreneurs Day. About 48° at opening.

📝 Jot This Down

1. Finish warm-weather chores by Thursday afternoon. Dig sweet potatoes, pick peppers and ripe tomatoes, water new garlic, and stack storm limbs while it’s sunny and calm.
2. Burn permits start tomorrow, Thu., Oct. 15. Free at BurnSafeTN.org or 1-877-350-BURN (2876). Get one the day you burn. Skip breezy Friday.
3. Saturday: jacket for the market, covers for the garden. About 48 degrees when the market opens at 9 a.m. Saturday night’s low is near 39 in town and may be colder in low spots. Bring in or cover tender plants by suppertime.

🌡️ Two Near-88 Days Left, Then a Real Fall Turn

The National Weather Service in Morristown lists no hazardous weather expected today or tonight, and a low chance of widespread hazardous weather Thursday through Tuesday. Key messages this morning include patchy fog possible, unusually warm weather through Thursday, and widespread frost potential for elevated spots and areas north of the Knoxville metro Saturday and Sunday nights.

The Dunlap point forecast (updated about 6:06 a.m. Central) looks like this:

• Wed., Oct. 14: Sunny. High near 88. Tonight mostly clear, low around 65.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Sunny. High near 88. Low around 63.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Sunny. High near 78. Northwest wind 10–15 mph by morning, gusts up to 25 mph. Friday night low around 44, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Sunny. High near 63. Saturday night clear, low around 39.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Sunny. High near 67. Sunday night low around 44.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Mostly sunny. High near 69.
• Tue., Oct. 20: Mostly sunny. High near 73.

For comparison, Morristown’s discussion lists Chattanooga’s record highs as 87 for Oct. 14 (set in 1954) and 85 for Oct. 15 (1950). Dunlap’s forecast near 88 both days means the Valley is still riding that same warm ridge. Forecasters say only very isolated rain chances through Thursday, and any light rain Friday is mainly north of Knoxville — not a meaningful soak for us.

What it means for you: Do the heavy outdoor work this morning and again Thursday. Drink water and take breaks — 88 in mid-October still feels like July in the garden. Thursday afternoon is your last warm, calm window. Tie down anything light on the porch before Friday’s wind.

👉 Read more (NWS Dunlap forecast) · NWS Morristown forecast discussion · Hazardous Weather Outlook

❄️ Saturday Night Near 39: Cover the Tender Plants

NWS Morristown still lists frost as a key message: “Widespread frost potential north of the Knox Metro in the valley and for elevated locations Saturday and Sunday nights. Consider bringing frost sensitive plants indoors.” The best odds remain farther north and on higher ground. Dunlap’s official Saturday-night low is now near 39 — a degree cooler than Tuesday’s edition.

That number is for town. Cold air slides downhill and settles in hollows and creek bottoms on clear, calm nights. Thirty-nine is cold enough that patchy frost can form in low spots even if the official reading stays just above freezing.

UT Extension’s season-extension guide says lightweight floating row covers can go right on top of plants without a frame. An old bedsheet works too. Take covers off in the morning once it warms so plants don’t overheat.

What it means for you: Use today or Thursday to pick all your peppers and any ripe or firm, nearly ripe tomatoes. Ferns, geraniums and other tender porch pots can come inside Saturday afternoon. Lay covers on the garden before dark Saturday — think of it as tucking in the grandkids. Kale, cabbage and other cool-season greens can take a light frost.

👉 Read more (NWS Morristown key messages) · UT: Season extension and row covers

🍠 Dig Sweet Potatoes While It’s Still Warm — Plus Garlic and Midweek Chores

UT Extension’s sweet potato guide says not to push your luck. Dig them before the soil stays below about 55 degrees, and before a hard frost, because frost that kills the vines can also hurt the roots. With nights near 44, 39 and 44 coming Friday through Sunday, this warm Wednesday and Thursday are a good time to get them out.

Then comes curing. UT says to keep freshly dug roots at 80 to 85 degrees with high humidity for about a week. That heals digging nicks and sweetens the flavor. Afterward, store them at 55 to 60 degrees. Brush off the dirt, but don’t wash them before curing.

UT’s 2026 Home Fruit and Vegetable Garden calendar (W436) has a short note for each day this week:

• Wed., Oct. 14: Bring your tools in from the garden and clean them well.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Sharpen and oil tools to make them last.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Make sure late crops have enough water and nutrients, but not too much.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Write down your favorite pepper and tomato varieties from this year.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Have you had a frost yet? Write the date down.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Cabbage-family greens often taste better after a little frost.

Garlic is still on. UT’s garlic guide (D75) says East Tennessee gardeners often plant from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1. Plant larger cloves upright, about 1 to 1½ inches deep, in well-drained soil. Fall is often the driest time of year, so give new garlic a slow soak — no meaningful rain is in our seven-day outlook.

Soil tests are still a good fall habit. A basic UT soil test runs about $15. Sample boxes and advice are at UT Extension Sequatchie County, 170 Church Street, Dunlap, 423-949-2611, open 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m.

What it means for you: Dig the sweet potatoes today or Thursday. Clean and oil your tools as you put them away. Plant a short row of garlic and water it in. One small chore a day will have you ready for the cold.

👉 Read more (UT 2026 Garden Calendar) · UT: Garlic for the Tennessee Garden · UT Soil Lab: Garden Samples

🐄 Pasture Notes: Still Dry Underfoot, and a Frost Rule for Cattle

The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map is still the one dated Oct. 6 (released Oct. 8, drawn before last weekend’s rain). It showed all of Sequatchie County in at least moderate drought, with about 6 percent of the county in severe drought. The next map comes out tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15, and should show whether last week’s rain made a dent.

If frost touches your fields this weekend, remember one rule from the UT Beef & Forage Center. Frost makes johnsongrass, sudangrass and sorghum-sudangrass release prussic acid, which can kill cattle within minutes. UT recommends waiting 10 to 14 days after a frost before grazing areas where those grasses are common. New shoots that come back after a light frost are also high in prussic acid, so keep cattle off them, too.

What it means for you: Walk the fence rows and creek banks this week and note where johnsongrass grows thick. If frost comes, write the date on the barn calendar and count forward two weeks. Move the herd or feed hay in the meantime. UT Extension Sequatchie: 423-949-2611.

👉 Read more (UT: Prussic Acid After Frost) · U.S. Drought Monitor · UT Extension Sequatchie: Livestock & Forage

🔥 Burn Season Starts Tomorrow: Stack the Limbs Today, Burn on a Calm Day

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15, Tennessee requires a free burn permit to burn leaves, brush or other natural debris, or to do a prescribed burn. The season runs to mid-May. Permits are issued at BurnSafeTN.org or through the MyTN app. BurnSafeTN says online permits are available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. If you don’t use the internet, call 1-877-350-BURN (2876), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central. Wait times can be long on busy days.

Get the permit the same day you burn. The state’s Division of Forestry pauses permits on dangerous days — high winds, very low humidity or very dry brush. This week is dry, and Friday’s gusts near 25 mph (with Friday-night gusts possibly near 30) are the kind of wind that makes a burn hard to control. Thursday looks calmer. If you are inside Dunlap city limits, check with City Hall (423-949-2115) first; cities can have their own rules.

What it means for you: Use today to drag storm limbs into a pile, well away from buildings, fences and trees. Clear a ring of bare dirt around it. When you’re ready, pick a calm day (Thursday is better than Friday this week), get the permit that morning, keep a hose and rake handy, and stay with the fire until it’s completely out.

👉 Read more (TDA burn-permit reminder) · BurnSafeTN

🛒 Saturday Market: Bring a Jacket, a Basket and a Few Dollars for the Young Vendors

The Dunlap Farmers Market is open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central at the Jeff Johnson Pavilion, Harris Park, 245 Cedar Street, April through October. This Saturday, Oct. 17, is also Young Entrepreneurs Day, when young people sell things they made or grew themselves. The announcement did not give an age range or deadline; families can apply at dunlapfarmersmarket.com and should mark the application for the kids market.

The hourly forecast shows about 48 degrees at 9 a.m. Saturday with a northeast breeze near 10 mph, warming toward the low 60s by mid-afternoon. After a week near 88, that will feel brisk.

A few blocks away, the free Days of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show has a new home at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine Street, Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 8 a.m. Dunlap.Today reports heritage farm demonstrations and a “Parade of Power” of vintage tractors.

What it means for you: Wear layers, bring a market bag and plan a morning of eggs, honey and late produce. Buy a little something from a young vendor — it means more than you know. Confirm on the market’s Facebook page or by email (dunlapfarmersmarket@gmail.com) before you drive in.

👉 Read more (Dunlap Farmers Market) · Young Entrepreneurs Day · Days of Yesteryear

📅 Week-Ahead Weather, Garden & Farm Calendar

• Wed., Oct. 14: Sunny near 88. Dig sweet potatoes; clean tools; stack limbs; water garlic.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Sunny near 88. Burn permits required starting today. New Drought Monitor map. Last warm, calm chore afternoon. Sharpen and oil tools.
• Fri., Oct. 16: High near 78, breezy, gusts near 25 mph (night gusts may reach 30). Poor day to burn. Friday night near 44.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Sunny, about 48 at 9 a.m., high near 63. Farmers Market + Young Entrepreneurs Day, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Days of Yesteryear, gates 8 a.m. Saturday night near 39 — cover or bring in tender plants.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Sunny near 67. Check the garden; write down any frost date.
• Mon.–Tue., Oct. 19–20: Monday mostly sunny near 69; Tuesday near 73. If frost touched johnsongrass, keep cattle off for 10–14 days.
• Looking further: Market Saturdays continue through October. Garlic window runs to about Nov. 1.

✅ Your Weather, Garden & Farm Checklist for This Week

• ✅ Do heavy outdoor work early; drink water in the near-88 heat today and Thursday.
• ✅ Dig sweet potatoes before the cold nights; brush (don’t wash), then cure warm and humid about a week.
• ✅ Pick all peppers and ripe or nearly ripe tomatoes by Thursday.
• ✅ Plant or water garlic; it’s still in the window through Nov. 1.
• ✅ Take a soil sample and drop it at Extension, 170 Church St. (~$15 basic test).
• ✅ Clean, sharpen and oil garden tools before you put them away.
• ✅ Stack storm limbs; get a free burn permit the day you burn, starting Thu., Oct. 15.
• ✅ Skip burning on breezy Friday.
• ✅ Tie down light porch items before Friday’s wind.
• ✅ Bring a jacket to Saturday’s market (~48° at 9 a.m.).
• ✅ Cover or bring in tender plants by Saturday evening (low near 39).
• ✅ Mark where johnsongrass grows; wait 10–14 days after frost to graze it.

Practical rule: Work in the warm, burn on a calm day with a permit, and tuck the garden in Saturday night.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Weather, Garden & Farm Glossary

• Cold front: The leading edge of cooler, drier air. It often brings wind and a quick drop in temperature.
• Record high: The warmest temperature ever measured at that station on that calendar date.
• Frost: Ice crystals that form on plants and grass on clear, calm, cold nights. It can form even when the official low is in the upper 30s.
• Floating row cover: A light, see-through garden cloth laid right on top of plants to hold warmth overnight.
• Curing (sweet potatoes): Holding freshly dug roots warm and humid for about a week so cuts heal and they taste sweeter.
• Moderate / severe drought: U.S. Drought Monitor categories (D1 and D2) that describe how dry the land is compared with normal.
• Prussic acid: A poison released by frosted johnsongrass and sorghum-type grasses. It fades as the plants dry.
• Cover crop: A plant grown mainly to protect and feed the soil over winter.
• Burn permit season: In Tennessee, mid-October to mid-May, when a free permit is required for debris burns.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thursday really the last hot day?

Dunlap’s forecast highs are near 88 today and Thursday, then about 78 Friday and 63 Saturday. That is roughly a 25-degree drop from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Thursday is your last calm, near-record warm chore window this week.

Will it frost in Dunlap this weekend?

Maybe in low spots. Dunlap’s official Saturday-night low is near 39. NWS Morristown lists widespread frost potential for elevated locations and areas farther north. Cold hollows can run colder than town, so cover tender plants Saturday evening.

When can I burn my storm limbs?

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15, with a free permit obtained the same day at BurnSafeTN.org or the MyTN app (online hours listed as 8 a.m.–11 p.m. local, seven days), or by phone at 1-877-350-BURN (2876), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central. Choose a calm day; avoid breezy Friday. Check city rules if you live inside Dunlap.

When should I dig sweet potatoes?

UT Extension says dig before the soil stays below about 55 degrees and before a hard frost. With cold nights coming Friday through Sunday, dig today or Thursday while it’s still warm.

Is it too late to plant garlic?

No. UT says East Tennessee gardeners often plant through Nov. 1. Plant large cloves 1 to 1½ inches deep, and water them in if the soil is dry.

How long do cattle stay off johnsongrass after frost?

UT’s Beef & Forage Center recommends 10 to 14 days after a frost, and keeping cattle off fresh regrowth.

What time does the market open Saturday, and how cold will it be?

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harris Park. The hourly forecast shows about 48 degrees at opening, warming into the low 60s by mid-afternoon. Confirm on the market’s Facebook page before you go.

🔗 Other Resources

• UT Extension Sequatchie County — 170 Church St., Dunlap · 423-949-2611
• National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast
• NWS Morristown Hazardous Weather Outlook
• NWS Morristown forecast discussion
• U.S. Drought Monitor
• Burn Safe TN · 1-877-350-BURN (2876)
• UT: 2026 Home Fruit and Vegetable Garden calendar (W436)
• UT: Garlic for the Tennessee Vegetable Garden (D75)
• UT: Season extension and row covers
• UT Soil Lab: Garden Samples
• UT Beef & Forage Center: Prussic Acid After Frost
• Dunlap Farmers Market
• Dunlap.Today

🏡 Enjoy the Last Warm Afternoon, Then Welcome the Sweater

Weeks like this are a gift. Two warm afternoons to finish the garden, burn season opening tomorrow, and then the first real sweater morning of the year at the pavilion. Do a little each day, keep the covers handy for Saturday night, and save a smile for the young vendors.

When you want the next calm, practical update for Sequatchie Valley readers, pull up a chair at Dunlap.Today.