Weekend forecast features spotty storm chances south, dry weather for much of Central Kentucky

Most of Central Kentucky stays dry while isolated storms bring heavy rain potential farther south

Sunshine and Comfortable Temperatures Continue Across Much of Kentucky

After a cool start this morning with temperatures dipping into the 50s and a few locations beginning the day in the low 60s, temperatures have quickly rebounded. Many communities are already sitting in the low to mid 70s this afternoon, and with a mix of sunshine and passing clouds, it has been another pleasant late-May day across Central and Eastern Kentucky.

For most of the area, dry weather will continue through the remainder of the afternoon. However, the forecast becomes a bit more active across southern Kentucky later today.

Isolated Storms Possible Across Southern Kentucky This Evening

As moisture begins to creep back northward into the region, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across portions of south-central Kentucky this afternoon and evening.

While severe weather is not expected to be widespread, some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. Some of these storms could produce enough rainfall that we could see some areas of isolated flash flooding later on this evening.

Many locations will only see light rainfall, but a few communities could pick up significantly higher amounts if storms repeatedly move over the same area.

Drier Air Returns Saturday

The good news is that much of this activity will gradually diminish overnight as drier air begins filtering back into the Commonwealth.

Saturday is trending drier for most of Central and Eastern Kentucky. While an isolated shower or thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, especially across far southern Kentucky and near the Kentucky-Tennessee border, many communities should experience a mix of sun and clouds with afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s.

Humidity levels will also begin to decrease as northeast winds usher in another round of drier air.

A Few More Storm Chances for Southern Kentucky Sunday

Another weak disturbance could allow isolated showers and thunderstorms to redevelop Sunday afternoon and evening, once again favoring southern Kentucky.

The overall coverage of storms appears lower than what we expect today, but any storm that develops could still bring brief heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Meanwhile, locations across Lexington and much of the Bluegrass region should remain largely dry with intervals of sunshine.

Temperatures Sunday will once again climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s.

Dry Pattern Returns Next Week

Looking ahead to the start of June, a stronger push of dry air is expected to arrive Monday night into Tuesday as high pressure strengthens across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

This setup should allow for several days of mostly sunny skies and comfortable conditions through the middle of next week. Temperatures will remain near to slightly below average for early June, with afternoon highs generally reaching the mid to upper 70s and overnight lows falling into the 50s and lower 60s.

After the active weather pattern we’ve experienced recently, many communities will welcome the extended stretch of dry weather.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Friday Night:
Partly cloudy with a few lingering showers possible early, mainly across southern Kentucky. Lows in the mid 50s to lower 60s.

Saturday:
Partly sunny and drier. Isolated showers possible near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Saturday Night:
Partly cloudy and comfortable. Lows ranging from the low 50s northeast to near 60 degrees southwest.