Winter weather system arrives tonight with hazardous travel and brutal cold behind it

A Widespread Snowmaker Moves In Tonight

A fast-moving winter storm is set to bring widespread accumulating snow to the region tonight into Friday morning, followed by another round of snow this weekend and the coldest air of the season arriving by Sunday.

Today started on a cold but quiet note, with a brief bit of sunshine early before clouds quickly returned. Those clouds produced scattered flurries through the afternoon, keeping temperatures locked in the 30s.

Snow Begins This Evening and Continues Overnight

We are starting to see snow make its way in across the entire viewing area as we head into the later evening hour. Locations near and north of I-64 are expected to see the highest totals, generally around 2 to 5 inches, while most of central and southern Kentucky should receive between 1 and 3 inches. Early accumulation will be mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces, but untreated roads will likely become slick overnight and especially during the Friday morning commute. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for areas surrounding Lexington and West and then a Winter Weather Advisory for everywhere else in the viewing area through 10 A.M. Friday morning.

Brief Clearing Friday Before Another System Arrives

Friday afternoon should bring clearing skies and some sunshine, although temperatures will remain chilly with highs in the mid-30s. Cold air will continue to filter in behind the departing storm, setting the stage for another round of wintry weather this weekend.

A quick-moving clipper system will arrive Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, producing another swath of snow across the region. Areas north of I-64 once again appear most likely to see accumulating snow with totals of 1 to 3 inches, while southern counties may see lighter amounts or passing flurries. With limited melting expected between the two systems, snow depth may build up significantly in northern counties.

Dangerous Arctic Cold Arrives Sunday

Behind the Saturday system, an Arctic high will surge into the region, delivering the coldest temperatures of the season. Sunday morning lows will plunge into the single digits, and wind chills are expected to range from 10 below zero to 10 above zero. Highs on Sunday will struggle to reach the teens and low 20s, and even colder temperatures are possible Sunday night into Monday morning, with many areas dropping to or below zero.

Gradual Warm-Up Next Week

A slow warm-up begins early next week as temperatures start to rebound on Monday and continue rising through midweek. Highs are expected to reach the mid-30s by Tuesday and climb into the low to mid-40s on Wednesday. There is a chance for cold rain to return by midweek, although forecast confidence remains low at this time.

Despite the eventual warm-up, the next several days will bring impactful winter weather, dangerous cold, and challenging travel conditions—especially tonight and Friday morning.