Stray shower chance Thursday ahead of a heavier rain threat on Friday
Temperatures climb into the mid-70s on Thursday ahead of heavier rain early in the day on Friday
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A few spotty showers may try to sneak in Thursday, especially south of Lexington toward the Lake Cumberland region, but the majority of the day looks dry and mild. Temperatures will rebound into the mid-70s across much of central and eastern Kentucky with a mix of sun and clouds—overall, not a bad late May day.
Friday will be the most active day of the forecast period, especially early on. A strengthening low pressure system will sweep across the Commonwealth, bringing widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms during the morning commute. Some of these downpours could be quite heavy, and the Weather Prediction Center has highlighted our area in a Level 2 of 4 “Slight Risk” for flash flooding. That doesn’t mean everyone sees flooding, but with locally heavy rain possible—especially across the Bluegrass and south-central Kentucky—watch for rapidly rising creeks and streams, and some brief water issues on low-lying roads.
Gusty winds and even a few strong storms are also possible, especially in southeastern Kentucky, where there’s a bit more instability. While widespread severe weather isn’t expected, an isolated strong wind gust or small hail can’t be ruled out in that area. Afternoon temperatures will struggle behind the front, with many spots staying in the mid to upper 60s Friday afternoon.
The weekend looks much more comfortable. A large upper-level low over eastern Canada will keep us in a northwest flow pattern, which typically brings in cooler, less humid air and occasional weak disturbances. Saturday and Sunday will feature a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the low to mid-70s. A stray afternoon shower or two is possible each day, especially over the higher terrain, but most of the weekend will be dry.
If you’re heading to the Railbird Music Festival at Red Mile, you’re in great shape. Comfortable temps, lower humidity, and mainly dry skies both Saturday and Sunday—couldn’t really ask for much better!
Looking ahead to early next week, temperatures start to climb again. Monday will be mostly sunny with highs pushing near 80. By Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re likely into the low to mid-80s, but with more moisture building back in, a few showers could return by midweek. Models hint at another system by late next week, but for now, enjoy the sunshine and warming trend to start June.
