Cooler, less humid weather returns to Kentucky before weekend rain chances
A Much Quieter Wednesday
After an active Tuesday afternoon and evening across Kentucky, we are starting Wednesday on a much quieter note. A mix of sunshine and clouds has returned across much of the area, although a few light showers and some lingering cloud cover are still hanging around parts of southern Kentucky this morning.
Tuesday’s storms packed quite a punch across portions of the region, producing damaging winds and reports of tornadoes in some communities. Thankfully, the weather pattern is changing today as high pressure begins to settle into the Ohio Valley, bringing us a much-needed stretch of quieter weather.
Most of us will stay dry throughout the day, although an isolated shower can’t be completely ruled out across far southern Kentucky. Otherwise, expect increasing sunshine as we head through the afternoon.
Cooler Temperatures and Lower Humidity Arrive
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice today is how much more comfortable it feels outside.
Cooler and much drier air is filtering into the region behind Tuesday’s storms. Afternoon highs will generally reach the upper 70s across much of central Kentucky, with some lower 80s possible farther south.
Even better, humidity levels will continue to drop. Dew points will fall into the 50s and lower 60s across much of the region, which is going to make a noticeable difference compared to the hot and muggy conditions we’ve dealt with recently.
A Refreshingly Cool Night Ahead
Quiet weather continues into Wednesday night as skies become mostly clear.
With the drier air, clear skies and light northerly winds in place, temperatures will cool quickly after sunset. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the mid-50s to lower 60s across the region.
For late July, that’s going to feel pretty refreshing!
Beautiful Weather Continues Thursday and Friday
The nice weather isn’t going anywhere just yet.
High pressure will remain in control Thursday and Friday, keeping rain chances very low and allowing plenty of sunshine to stick around. Temperatures will remain below average for late July, with highs generally ranging from the upper 70s to lower 80s Thursday before gradually warming into the low to mid-80s by Friday.
Humidity will also remain relatively low, making Thursday and Friday two great days to spend some time outdoors.
Rain Chances Return This Weekend
Our weather pattern begins to change again as we head into the weekend.
Moisture will start returning to the region Friday night, bringing increasing rain chances into Saturday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will become possible, with the best rain chances currently expected across southern Kentucky.
At this point, widespread severe weather is not expected with Saturday’s activity, but we’ll continue to watch the forecast as we get closer.
Temperatures will also begin climbing again, with highs returning to the mid-80s Saturday.
Summer Heat Returns Next Week
The cooler stretch won’t last forever.
By Sunday, temperatures are expected to climb back toward the upper 80s and lower 90s as warmer and more humid air returns to the region. Additional chances for showers and thunderstorms will also be possible at times into the first part of next week as disturbances move through the Ohio Valley.
For now, enjoy the cooler temperatures and lower humidity over the next few days before more typical late-July weather returns.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Wednesday: A mix of sunshine and clouds with much cooler and less humid conditions. An isolated shower remains possible across southern Kentucky, but most of the area stays dry. Highs reach the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, cool and comfortable. Overnight lows fall into the mid-50s to lower 60s.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant with low humidity. Afternoon highs reach the upper 70s to lower 80s.
