Another round of summer-like air is on the horizon
The last few days have been pleasant here in the Bluegrass but get set for those 80s to return by the weekend
It was a nearly picture perfect spring day across Central and Eastern Kentucky on Thursday. As expected temperatures were on the chilly side, especially along and north of I-64 where readings dropped into the mid to upper 30s with a few spots even making a run toward the freezing mark. With full sunshine and less cloudiness around we enjoyed a super afternoon with pleasant temperatures for late April as afternoon highs reach the low and mid-60s. As mentioned yesterday a northeast wind in place generally has a cooling effect and can really squash any serious warm-up in this type of set-up so that’s what temperatures struggled a bit despite all the sunshine. But nothing to complain about since it was a gorgeous day.
Closing out the week on Friday we’ve got some changes on the way as a much advertised warm front arcs northeast through the Ohio Valley. Not only will this front bring a return of scattered showers to the area, it will also usher in another round of summer-like temperatures just in time for the weekend. Right now it appears we’ll be mainly dry through the morning and with enough sunshine around, temperatures may spike into the mid-70s as winds shift around to the southeast. The bulk of the showers along with an isolated rumble of thunder should be late afternoon and early evening as temperatures drop back a few degrees with the clouds and rain around. Overall rainfall totals should range from .25″-.50″ so nothing overly heavy.
Other than a stray shower chance early Saturday the final weekend of April (yes that’s correct) continues to look pretty spectacular as a strong southwest wind combined with sunshine pushes afternoon highs into the low 80s! Winds will be gusty at times from 30 to 35 miles per hour but this will help bring the warmer air in so it’s a bit of a trade off. With a frontal boundary stalled in the Central Plains we should be mainly dry and in the perfect spot so enjoy the early taste of summer this weekend.
Heading into the final few days of April and kicking off May into the middle of next week what’s left of the front in the Central Plains will drift eastward in a weakened state, which means a few scattered showers and storms will be possible daily as our weather shifts back into an “unsettled” pattern. It should be a wash-out and temperatures should hang into the upper 70s for afternoon highs. The window to watch is late next week as we approach Derby weekend as some of the data is hinting at another frontal boundary dropping south and then stalling out over the area, which would keep the rain chances around through “Thurby” (a big race day at Churchill Downs preceding Oaks Day and Derby Day) so that’s’ something we’ll keep a close eye on.
ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
THURSDAY NIGHT: A few clouds and cool. Lows in the mid-40s.
FRIDAY: Partly sunny with showers late. Highs in the mid-70s.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Breezy and mild, a few showers. Lows in the low-60s.
