Sunshine returns to Kentucky as hotter weather builds through the week
Clouds Give Way to Sunshine After an Active Weekend
After an active weekend that brought multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, especially across southern Kentucky, we’re starting the day with some lingering cloud cover across the region. The good news is that those clouds won’t stick around for long.
As we head through the afternoon, skies will gradually clear as drier air filters into the region from the north. Sunshine will make a return for much of central Kentucky, helping temperatures climb back into the mid to upper 80s, which is right around normal for mid-July.
While most of the area will stay dry today, a few showers and thunderstorms could still develop across southern Kentucky, particularly near the Kentucky/Tennessee border and the Lake Cumberland region. These will be isolated in nature, and many communities across the Bluegrass will remain rain-free.
A Small Chance for Rain Lingers Across Southern Kentucky
Although we’re transitioning into a much drier weather pattern, not everyone is completely finished with the rain just yet.
A weak weather disturbance lingering over the Tennessee Valley may be enough to spark a few scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon across southern Kentucky. The overall flood threat is much lower than it has been over the past several days, but because soils remain saturated after recent heavy rainfall, any storm that develops could still produce localized heavy downpours and minor flooding issues.
For most of central Kentucky, however, today marks the beginning of a much-needed break from the recent stretch of unsettled weather.
Comfortable Night Before Temperatures Begin Climbing Again
As skies continue to clear tonight, temperatures will fall back into the upper 60s, making for a pleasant summer evening. With recent rainfall and lighter winds, a few areas of patchy fog may develop late tonight into early Tuesday morning, especially in low-lying and rural locations.
Otherwise, overnight conditions will remain quiet with mainly clear to partly cloudy skies.
Sunshine Returns as Summer Heat Builds Back In
The weather pattern takes a noticeable turn for the better beginning Tuesday.
High pressure will settle over the Ohio Valley, bringing several days of mostly dry weather along with plenty of sunshine. Afternoon temperatures will gradually climb from the upper 80s on Tuesday into the low 90s by the second half of the week.
Humidity will also begin increasing again, with dew points climbing into the 70s. That means while actual air temperatures won’t be excessively hot, it will certainly feel warmer outside.
By Wednesday through the end of the week, heat index values will generally range between 98 and 103 degrees during the afternoon. While that is currently expected to stay just below Heat Advisory criteria, it will still be important to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks if you’re working outdoors, and avoid prolonged strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Rain Chances Stay Low Until the Weekend
The overall weather pattern remains much quieter through the remainder of the workweek, with only a slight chance for an isolated afternoon shower or thunderstorm each day.
By the weekend, however, moisture begins to increase again, bringing a better chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms. It doesn’t look like a washout at this point, but rain chances will be higher than what we’ll see during the middle of the week.
Temperatures should remain in the upper 80s through the weekend, offering a slight break from the low 90s expected later this week.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Monday: Morning clouds gradually give way to sunshine. Most of the area stays dry, though a few isolated showers and storms remain possible across southern Kentucky. Highs reach the mid to upper 80s.
Monday Night: Mainly clear to partly cloudy and comfortable. Patchy fog may develop in some locations late tonight. Overnight lows fall into the upper 60s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, warm, and slightly more humid. A stray afternoon shower can’t be ruled out, but most locations stay dry. Highs climb into the upper 80s, with humidity beginning to increase ahead of a warmer second half of the week.
