Cold grips Kentucky as snow showers return Friday before warmer days ahead
A fast-moving clipper system brings light snow to eastern Kentucky while bitter cold hangs on through the weekend
Another Raw Winter Day Across Central and Eastern Kentucky
Today turned out to be a gloomy and cold one across much of central and eastern Kentucky. Temperatures struggled to warm, with most areas only reaching the low to upper 20s and a few spots briefly touching the low 30s. With cloud cover hanging tough and snow still on the ground in many communities, it felt even colder than the numbers suggested.
That lingering snowpack is continuing to trap cold air near the surface, making it harder for temperatures to rebound, even on days when we try to see a little sunshine.
Tonight Brings Bitter Cold and Dangerous Wind Chills
As we head into tonight, temperatures will quickly fall back into the low teens across the region. When you factor in the breeze, it will feel even colder, with wind chills dipping into the low single digits for many towns and communities.
If you’re heading out late tonight or early Friday morning, make sure to dress in layers and limit time outside if possible. This kind of cold can set in fast.
Fast-Moving Clipper System Brings Snow Showers Friday
Our next weather system moves in Friday in the form of a quick-moving clipper. These systems don’t usually bring major snowfall totals, but they can still create slick roads and short bursts of wintry weather.
Here’s what we’re watching:
Snow showers are most likely across eastern Kentucky, while parts of central Kentucky may see a mix of rain and snow. Overall, accumulations look light, generally a coating to around an inch, though a few northeastern Bluegrass counties could briefly see slightly higher totals.
Even small amounts of snow can cause problems when temperatures are cold and roads are already slick, so use extra caution if you’re traveling Friday.
Colder Air Returns Before a Gradual Warm-Up
Once the clipper moves out Friday evening, another surge of cold air will move back into the region. Temperatures will tumble again Friday night and remain cold through much of Saturday, with many spots stuck in the 20s.
The good news comes late this weekend into early next week. A slow warming trend will finally begin, bringing temperatures back into the 40s for most of the area and possibly into the low 50s in southern Kentucky. As that happens, snow and ice will gradually start to melt.
Our next chance for precipitation arrives around midweek, and right now, it looks mainly like rain.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Thursday Night: Very cold and mostly cloudy. Lows dropping into the low teens. Wind chills in the single digits.
Friday: Cloudy with scattered snow showers, mainly across eastern Kentucky. A light mix possible farther west. Minor accumulation — coating to around an inch.
Friday Night: Turning colder again with a few lingering snow showers possible. Temperatures falling back into the teens with slick spots developing.
