May 20, 2026

​Overnight guests and early-rising hikers are greeted by another morning of clear skies, calm air, and a warm sunrise.  The majority of today is setting up to be another wondrous opportunity to explore the outdoors before less optimal climate conditions make their grand arrival.  The thermometer came up just shy of nabbing 70° yesterday, and we should experience highs in the upper 60s this afternoon before the clouds move in and thicken.  Best to get an early start anyways in case we get any thunderous surprises earlier than anticipated.

While the rain chances for this evening are low, they ramp up beginning tomorrow and increase over the coming days.  The forecast is shaping up to be a wet one for the foreseeable future, and while that may appear less than glamorous for those with arrangements for visiting the mountain, the precip is a necessity.  Some numbers to help make sense of it…

Last year, the mountain received approximately 85” of rainfall, which also happens to be the annual average for Mt. LeConte.  We are currently 16” off pace from where we were this same time last year.  And the evidence is there when you look hard enough.  Plants are blooming sooner, while less numerous, and wilting sooner.  Some perennial vegetation is also slow to grow.  And a number of the high-elevation strongholds like firs and spruces known to weather all kinds of rough weather and climate challenges are showing signs of struggle.  So while we get to bask in all this sunshine of late, it’s important to appreciate the rain and the balance it provides in maintaining these unique natural wonders.

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