Cold Friday ahead of a gradual warming trend

Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Happy Friday! As we wrap up the workweek, another cold day awaits across central and eastern Kentucky. Here’s what to expect as we head into the weekend and beyond:

Friday: A Chilly Day with Some Flurries

Temperatures will struggle to climb today, with afternoon highs only reaching the mid-to-upper 20s across most of the region. Southern Kentucky might see a few spots touch the low 30s. The morning hours could bring a few flurries, particularly for areas near the Cumberland River Basin and southeastern Kentucky. While these flurries might dust some grassy surfaces near Lake Cumberland, no significant accumulations are expected. Clouds will gradually thin by midday, allowing for some sunshine to return by the afternoon.

Tonight, under mostly clear skies and light winds, temperatures will plummet into the teens once again, setting the stage for a frigid start to your Saturday.

Saturday: A Rebound in Temperatures

Saturday brings a welcome shift in the pattern as high pressure dominates. Morning lows in the teens will give way to highs in the low 40s by the afternoon — a much more seasonable feel. Skies will remain mostly sunny through much of the day, though high clouds could filter in by late afternoon as a weak disturbance approaches from the west.

Sunday: Quiet for Most, But Watching the South

Sunday’s weather will largely depend on the track of a system passing to our south. Most model data suggest that this system will stay just below the Kentucky-Tennessee border, leaving us dry. However, our in-house ‘Futurecast’ model hints at a slight chance for a light wintry mix in far southern Kentucky late Sunday into Sunday night. Even if this materializes, impacts would be minimal due to limited moisture and temperatures near-to-above freezing.

Expect highs in the upper 30s to near 40 on Sunday, with increased cloud cover keeping conditions cooler than Saturday.

Next Week: Gradual Warming Trend

Looking ahead, temperatures will continue to rebound early next week. Highs will climb into the mid-40s on Monday and may approach 50 by Tuesday under mostly sunny skies. Dry weather is expected through at least midweek as high pressure dominates. By late in the week, another system may approach the region, but details on timing and impacts remain uncertain. For now, it looks like temperatures will trend near to slightly above average as we close out January.

Travel Notes

• Friday morning commuters: Be mindful of isolated flurries, especially in southeastern Kentucky. Roads should remain clear, but a brief dusting is possible in some spots.
• Sunday night travelers: Keep an eye on updates if you’re in far southern Kentucky. While wintry weather is unlikely to cause widespread issues, a light mix could develop near the state line.

Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates. 

ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST

Friday: Partly cloudy with morning flurries possible. Highs in the mid-to-upper 20s north, near 30 south.
Tonight: Mostly clear and cold. Lows in the mid-to-upper teens.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with highs in the low 40s. A cold start but milder by afternoon.