Kentucky warms into the 60s as fog and rain chances return this week

Sunshine helps melt lingering snow before patchy fog Tuesday morning and light rain moves in

Sunshine Brings a Big Warm-Up — But Fog and Rain Chances Are Ahead for Kentucky

After weeks of snow, ice, and brutal cold, Kentucky finally caught a real break today as temperatures climbed well above freezing and sunshine returned across the region. It was the kind of day that finally felt like winter was loosening its grip, but changes are already lining up over the next 48 hours.

Let’s walk through what’s happening now, what to expect tomorrow, and how the rest of the week is shaping up.

A Big Temperature Swing Across the Commonwealth Today

Today delivered a dramatic warm-up across central and eastern Kentucky.

Northern parts of the viewing area warmed into the upper 50s this afternoon, while southern counties surged into the mid 60s. That created nearly a 20-degree temperature difference from north to south, a classic setup when warmer air rushes in while snow and ice still linger on the ground.

The sunshine helped speed up melting, finally chipping away at snowpack that’s been hanging around for more than two weeks in some spots. While not all of it is gone yet, today was a major step in the right direction.

Fog Could Be an Issue Tuesday Morning

Tonight, temperatures will slip back into the mid 30s across much of the area, still much warmer than what we’ve dealt with recently.

However, with warmer, moist air moving in over melting snow and wet ground, there’s a good chance we see patchy dense fog develop overnight into Tuesday morning.

This type of fog can form quickly and drop visibility fast, especially around sunrise. If you’re heading out early, plan for extra drive time and be prepared for sudden low-visibility spots.

Tuesday Brings Even More Warmth, Then a Few Showers Late

Tuesday is shaping up to be the warmest day of the week.

Many spots will climb into the mid to upper 50s again, and some areas may flirt with 60 degrees once more, a huge change from the teens and 20s just days ago.

Clouds will increase through the afternoon as a cold front approaches, and by late afternoon into the evening, a few light rain showers could move in. Most of the rain looks to favor southern parts of the viewing area, and totals should stay light.

Any lingering showers will clear out overnight into early Wednesday morning, with no major impacts expected.

Cooler Midweek, Then Eyes on the Weekend System

Behind Tuesday night’s cold front, temperatures will cool back down slightly for Wednesday and Thursday, generally settling into the 40s and low 50s.

It’ll be dry and fairly quiet midweek, but attention then turns toward the weekend.

Forecast signals continue to show another system developing that could bring more rain chance from Friday into Saturday, with the best chance for steadier rainfall currently lining up on Sunday. Some heavier rain totals are possible, especially in southern Kentucky, so this is something we’ll continue watching closely as the week unfolds.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Monday Night: Partly cloudy with temperatures falling into the mid 30s. Patchy fog developing late, especially toward morning.

Tuesday: Mild and breezy with highs in the mid to upper 50s and a few spots near 60. Clouds increase through the afternoon. Isolated rain showers possible late, mainly south.

Tuesday Night: Light showers taper off with clearing skies late. Cooler with lows dropping into the upper 20s to low 30s.