Stormy Friday afternoon ahead of a soggy memorial day weekend

Widespread rain moves in Friday morning

Friday starts off wet across much of the Bluegrass as a warm front lifts north through Kentucky. Periods of steady rain, along with a few rumbles of thunder, are expected through the morning hours.

Some of the rain could be heavy at times, especially where storms repeatedly move over the same areas. Rainfall totals will quickly add up through the day, and localized flooding may become an issue in spots that see persistent downpours.

A flood watch will be in effect for counties along and north of I-64 from 8 AM Friday through 8 AM Saturday.

Temperatures will still manage to climb into the low to mid 70s despite the clouds and rain, making it feel warm and humid across the region.

Strong storms possible Friday afternoon and evening

As the warm front lifts north and slightly warmer air moves into central and eastern Kentucky, the atmosphere may become unstable enough for a few stronger thunderstorms to develop Friday afternoon and evening.

The greatest risk looks to be damaging wind gusts, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out if storms become more organized. Whether severe weather fully develops will depend heavily on how much sunshine breaks through after the morning rain.

The Bluegrass region remains under a marginal severe weather risk, meaning isolated strong storms are possible but widespread severe weather is not expected.

Heavy rainfall may end up being the bigger concern overall. Some locations could see several inches of rain by the time the system moves through, especially where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.

Showers and storms continue through the holiday weekend

The unsettled pattern does not end after Friday. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday through Memorial Day, although there will still be dry periods mixed in.

Saturday looks warm and humid, with scattered showers and storms continuing through the morning before activity gradually becomes more isolated later in the day. Highs should reach the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.

Sunday brings another chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms, especially during the peak heating of the day. Severe weather is not expected at this time, but slow-moving storms could once again produce heavy rainfall.

Wet pattern continues into next week

Rain chances remain in the forecast through much of next week as a stalled weather pattern keeps plenty of moisture over the Ohio Valley.

While not every hour will be rainy, repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms may lead to additional flooding concerns by early next week, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas.

Temperatures through the extended forecast stay warm and muggy, with highs generally in the upper 70s to lower 80s.