A stormy Sunday brings a big weather change ahead
Gusty winds, heavy rain, and a few strong storms move through before cooler, fall-like air takes over next week.
A stormy start to Sunday brings a big change ahead
After a stretch of beautiful fall weather across the Bluegrass, things are taking a turn tonight as a strong cold front moves in. This system will bring gusty winds, heavy rain, and the chance for a few strong storms before much cooler, fall-like air settles in for the week ahead.
A warm and breezy Saturday
Saturday brought another taste of late-summer warmth, with afternoon highs reaching the low to mid-80s across much of the region. Sunshine dominated through the morning and early afternoon before clouds gradually increased from the west — a sign of changes on the way.
Winds picked up throughout the day as warm, moist air moved in from the south ahead of an approaching cold front. The calm, pleasant start to the weekend is quickly transitioning into a more active weather pattern tonight.
Strong storms move in overnight
Late tonight, a line of showers and thunderstorms will push through the region. Some of these storms could be strong to severe, mainly producing damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall.
The greatest severe threat remains west of I-65, where an isolated spin-up tornado can’t be completely ruled out. However, the main concern locally will be gusty winds — both ahead of and behind the front — that could reach 35 to 45 mph.
As the storms move through, expect a burst of heavy rain, loud thunder, and a noticeable drop in temperatures by daybreak Sunday. Rainfall amounts between three-quarters of an inch and an inch and a half are possible, with locally higher totals.
Gusty winds and clearing skies Sunday
By Sunday afternoon, the line of storms will move out of the area, but the windy conditions will linger. Expect gusts around 30 to 35 mph through the afternoon as cooler, drier air filters in behind the front. Temperatures will fall through the day, starting in the 60s early before dropping into the lower 50s by evening.
Skies will gradually clear late Sunday into the evening hours as high pressure begins to build back in from the west, setting the stage for a quieter start to the workweek.
Cooler air settles in next week
After the cold front moves out, a much cooler and drier air mass will take over. Highs early in the week will only reach the low to mid-60s, with overnight lows dipping into the 40s — and possibly some upper 30s in the colder valleys by midweek.
As skies stay clear and winds lighten by Wednesday and Thursday mornings, patchy frost could develop in some areas, signaling that true fall weather has finally arrived.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Saturday Night:
Showers and thunderstorms arrive overnight, with a few storms possibly turning strong. Expect gusty winds between 35–45 mph and heavy downpours at times. Lows fall into the mid-50s by early Sunday.
Sunday:
Morning showers taper off to breezy and cooler conditions through the afternoon. Gusts remain around 30–35 mph with highs near 65 early, then falling into the 50s by evening.
Sunday Night:
Partly cloudy and much cooler. Winds begin to relax with lows dropping into the low 40s — a crisp and quiet night ahead.