Warm start turns stormy before a pleasant Sunday across Kentucky

Showers and thunderstorms move through Saturday evening with gusty winds before cooler, sunny weather returns Sunday and a warm start to the week

A Very Warm Start Followed by Storms

Saturday started off feeling more like late spring than early March across central and eastern Kentucky. Temperatures climbed quickly through the morning, with many locations reaching the mid to upper 70s before noon under mostly sunny skies.

By the afternoon, however, the weather pattern began to shift. Clouds moved back into the region as a cold front approached from the west, bringing a line of showers and thunderstorms across the area.

These storms are continuing to move across the region through the evening hours. The primary concern with this system has been strong, gusty winds, although a few storms could also bring brief heavy rainfall and small hail. The risks for tornadoes remains very low, but some stronger wind gusts are possible as the line of storms moves through.

Showers Gradually Move Out Tonight

As we head deeper into the evening, storms will continue to shift east across Kentucky. Some scattered showers may linger overnight as the cold front continues to move through the region.

Temperatures will cool off considerably compared to today’s warmth, dropping into the upper 40s overnight.

Conditions will gradually begin to clear toward daybreak Sunday as cooler and drier air moves in behind the front.

Also, don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time begins tonight. Before heading to bed, make sure to set your clocks forward one hour. It’s also a good reminder to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.

A Cooler but Pleasant Sunday

Sunday will feel noticeably cooler compared to Saturday, but it will still be a comfortable early March day.

Morning clouds will gradually clear out through the day, allowing sunshine to return by the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid 60s, which is still slightly above normal for this time of year.

With high pressure building into the Ohio Valley, Sunday afternoon should turn into a quiet and pleasant end to the weekend.

Warm Temperatures Return to Start the Week

The warming trend quickly returns as we begin the new week.

By Monday, plenty of sunshine will help temperatures climb back into the low 70s across much of central and eastern Kentucky. Winds will remain fairly light, making for another pleasant spring-like day.

Clouds will begin increasing again Monday evening ahead of the next weather system.

Watching Another Storm System Midweek

Rain chances will start to return by Tuesday as the next system approaches the region.

While Tuesday could feature scattered showers, the better opportunity for more widespread rain, and possibly stronger thunderstorms, appears to arrive Wednesday into Wednesday evening as a stronger cold front moves through the Ohio Valley.

It’s still several days away, but this system will be something to watch as it could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for stronger storms before cooler air returns late next week.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Saturday Night:

Showers and storms gradually moving out of the area overnight. Some lingering showers possible before skies begin to clear toward morning.
Low: Upper 40s

Sunday:

Morning clouds giving way to sunshine during the afternoon. Cooler but still pleasant.
High: Low to mid 60s

Sunday Night:

Mostly clear and quiet with cool overnight temperatures.
Low: Mid to upper 40s