An active Wednesday ahead of the looming weekend winter storm
Winter weather to kick off the day
Wednesday begins with winter weather advisories extending from the Cumberland Parkway up to Flemingsburg and Morehead. These advisories are in effect from 4 am to 12 pm. This is due to freezing rain and snow that may cause quickly developing slick spots through the morning commute. Use caution when driving in the morning, as icy conditions are likely.
The ice won’t last too long on roadways, which is good news! This is because temperatures will rise through the early afternoon to the upper 30s and low 40s. Any winty precip. will transition to rain. As a cold front moves through, a band of widespread rain showers will as well. This will occur this evening, bringing a soggy evening commute and dinner time.
Following the front, we dry out overnight.
Cold and calm to end the work week
Thursday and Friday will be the calm before the storm.
Thursday will see temperatures slightly below average in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Cloud cover will start the day, but this will clear throughout, and we will end up with some sunshine. Thursday will stay fully dry.
Friday will be dry during the day, with increasing cloud cover. A strong northern breeze brings in frigid temperatures, so we will struggle to warm above the 20s. Friday night we may begin to see flurries faling an the beginning of our next big weather maker.
The weekend winter storm
A major winter storm will move across the South and up the East Coast this weekend. It will cause heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures to fall across portions of the country. What we see here in the Commonwealth depends on the track of the Low pressure and the strength of the Arctic High to our northwest, which brings in dry air.
It is still too early to nail down timing, locations, and specifics. However, it is becoming increasingly likely that this will be a significant event with the potential to bring heavy snow to the Bluegrass. Any small change in movement or intensity with these winter storms can drastically affect what we see on the ground. This is why we wait to forecast specific details until we’re a few days out.
What we do know is that we may see heavy snowfall and frigid, arctic air settling into the Bluegrass. This could cause moderate impacts and disruptions to daily life. Travel will likely be impacted.
To prepare ahead of this weekend, you can start to reevaluate weekend plans and consider rescheduling, begin winterizing your house if you haven’t already, and download the ABC 36 weather app to stay up to date on the forecast.
