Winter chill settles in as snow showers move through Kentucky

The first snowflakes of the season arrive with gusty winds and bitter cold to start the week.

A Dreary Sunday Turns Colder

Today was one of those gray November days that really felt like winter was knocking on the door. Temperatures actually peaked early this morning in the low 50s before steadily dropping into the 30s through the afternoon and evening. As colder air rushed in behind a passing cold front, scattered rain showers began mixing with — and in some spots changing over to — light snow by sunset.

That front is long gone now, but northwest winds are ushering in a blast of true winter air. By tonight, most of central and eastern Kentucky will fall into the low 20s, with wind chills dipping into the teens by early Monday morning. If you’re heading out early, you’ll definitely need to bundle up — hats, gloves, and that heavy coat.

Light Snow Tonight, Heavier Bursts Possible Monday

We’ll see a brief lull in the activity overnight, but snow showers will start to pick back up early Monday morning as an upper-level low dives into the Ohio Valley.

While accumulations will generally stay under an inch for most of the area, spots from Lexington eastward toward the higher elevations could pick up around an inch or slightly more on grassy areas or higher elevations. The snow will be off and on throughout the day, with a few pockets of heavier snow possible that could briefly reduce visibility and lead to slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.

Even if the snow doesn’t pile up much, it’ll look and feel wintry. Temperatures will stay in the 30s all day Monday, and gusty northwest winds will make it feel even colder.

Minor Travel Impacts Possible

Most of us won’t have major travel issues, but a few localized slick spots are possible during heavier bursts of snow — especially in higher terrain or if the snowfall rate briefly overcomes the warm ground. Drivers should plan for changing visibility and take it slow if snow squalls develop, particularly during the morning and midday hours.

By Monday evening, the snow will taper off from west to east as the storm system moves out.

Bitter Cold to Start the Week

Once the snow moves out Monday evening, another blast of cold air moves in. Temperatures will drop back into the low 20s Monday night, with wind chills once again in the teens by early Tuesday morning.

High pressure will begin building in by Tuesday, giving us some sunshine, but it will still be chilly — highs will only reach the upper 30s to low 40s.

The good news? A warming trend arrives later in the week. By Thursday and Friday, temperatures should rebound into the mid to upper 50s, and we may even see some 60s by the weekend as a warm front lifts north.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Sunday Night: Scattered rain and snow showers early, then a lull overnight. Lows in the low 20s. Wind chills in the teens.

Monday: On-and-off snow showers, some heavy at times. Minor accumulation possible, especially east of I-65. Highs in the mid-30s with gusty northwest winds.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy and bitter cold. Lows in the low 20s with wind chills in the teens.