Sunshine continues before storm chances increase across Kentucky late this week
Another Beautiful Summer Day Across Kentucky
It’s another gorgeous start to the day across central Kentucky with plenty of sunshine greeting us this Wednesday morning. High pressure remains in control of our weather, keeping conditions quiet as we begin another warm summer day.
Through the afternoon, expect abundant sunshine to continue with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s. Humidity will remain noticeable, making it feel warmer than the actual air temperature, although most locations should stay dry throughout the day.
There is a small chance for an isolated shower or thunderstorm later this afternoon and evening, mainly across southern Kentucky, including areas closer to the Tennessee border. Most communities across the Bluegrass region, however, will remain rain-free.
Any Storms That Develop Could Produce Heavy Rain
While storm coverage will remain very limited today, any thunderstorm that does manage to develop could briefly become strong.
The atmosphere will be very moist, with plenty of humidity available to fuel efficient rainfall. Because winds higher in the atmosphere remain fairly light, any storms that form will move slowly. That means they could produce torrential downpours, frequent lightning, and isolated gusty winds before weakening after sunset.
Fortunately, widespread severe weather is not expected today, and many areas won’t see any rainfall at all.
Warm and Muggy Tonight
After sunset, any isolated showers and storms will quickly fade as daytime heating is lost.
Tonight will remain warm and muggy with overnight lows only falling into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy overnight, setting the stage for another warm day on Thursday.
Thursday Brings Higher Storm Chances
The weather pattern begins to shift slightly on Thursday as the upper-level ridge weakens, allowing for more scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms to develop across much of central Kentucky.
Not everyone will see rain, and parts of the Bluegrass may stay dry, but storm coverage will be noticeably higher than today.
Like Wednesday, storms will move slowly and will have plenty of tropical moisture to work with. This means the primary concerns will be torrential rainfall, frequent lightning, and isolated gusty winds. Localized flooding could also develop where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
Despite the increasing rain chances, temperatures will still climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s Thursday afternoon.
Heat and Humidity Continue Through the End of the Week
Even with increasing storm chances, the heat isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Afternoon heat index values will climb into the upper 90s and lower 100s through at least Friday as temperatures combine with dew points in the 70s. While this isn’t expected to reach dangerous heat wave levels, it will still be hot enough to increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Friday and Saturday Look Like the Wettest Days
If you’re looking ahead to the weekend, Friday and Saturday currently have the highest chance for widespread showers and thunderstorms.
A weather disturbance moving into the Ohio Valley will provide additional lift while abundant moisture remains in place. This setup will allow storms to become more numerous during the afternoon and evening hours.
Because winds aloft remain weak, storms will move slowly, increasing the potential for locally heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, isolated gusty winds, and localized flooding in areas that receive repeated rounds of rain.
Daily afternoon storm chances continue into Sunday and early next week as another weak front approaches the region, keeping the typical summertime weather pattern in place.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, hot, and humid. Highs reach the upper 80s to lower 90s. Most locations remain dry, although an isolated afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm is possible across southern Kentucky.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, warm, and muggy. Any isolated storms end shortly after sunset. Overnight lows fall into the upper 60s and lower 70s.
Thursday: Warm and humid with a mix of sunshine and clouds. Scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms develop across much of the area. Highs reach the upper 80s to lower 90s, with heat index values approaching 100 degrees.
