Dangerous heat builds across Kentucky with triple-digit heat index values this week

Dangerous heat and humidity builds across Kentucky through Thursday as heat index values climb above 105 degrees.

Hot and Humid Conditions Take Hold

We’re kicking off the week on a very warm and muggy note, and unfortunately, this pattern isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Temperatures have already climbed into the low 80s this morning, and we’ll continue warming into the low to mid 90s this afternoon under a mix of sunshine and a few fair-weather clouds. It won’t just be the air temperature making it feel uncomfortable, humidity levels remain extremely high, pushing heat index values close to 100 degrees this afternoon, with some locations climbing even higher.

A few isolated light showers are possible across parts of the Bluegrass Region this morning, but most communities will stay dry as those showers quickly move out and the heat becomes the main weather story.

Heat Advisory Remains in Effect

Because of the dangerous combination of heat and humidity, Heat Advisories remain in effect across much of the region.

Here in Lexington and across much of the Bluegrass, the Heat Advisory remains in effect through 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Areas from Mt. Sterling south through Somerset, Williamsburg, and Monticello remain under a Heat Advisory through 8:00 p.m. this evening, with additional advisories possible as the hottest days of the week arrive.

The most intense heat is expected Tuesday through Thursday, when afternoon highs climb into the mid 90s and heat index values reach between 105 + degrees in many locations. These will likely be the hottest temperatures we’ve experienced so far this year.

Take the Heat Seriously

With several consecutive days of dangerous heat expected, it’s important to take precautions if you’ll be spending time outdoors.

If you have to be outside during the afternoon hours, be sure to:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or inside air conditioning.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.

The prolonged nature of this heat wave can become especially dangerous because overnight temperatures will only fall into the middle 70s, offering very little relief before temperatures climb once again the next day.

Heat Continues Through the Holiday Weekend

The hot and humid pattern will continue through much of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

While temperatures may ease back just slightly into the lower 90s by the weekend, humidity will remain high, keeping it feeling much hotter than the actual air temperature.

As the ridge of high pressure begins to weaken a bit, we’ll also introduce a chance for isolated to scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms Friday through Sunday. These won’t be widespread washout days, but a few communities could pick up a brief downpour or thunderstorm during the hottest part of the day.

If you have outdoor plans for the holiday weekend, be sure to stay updated on the forecast over the next several days as rain chances become a little more common.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Monday: Hot and oppressively humid with a slight chance of a brief morning shower across parts of the Bluegrass. Otherwise, partly sunny skies with highs in the low to mid 90s. Heat index values near 100 to 105 degrees.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, warm, and muggy. Overnight lows only falling into the mid 70s.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and dangerously hot. Afternoon highs in the mid 90s with heat index values climbing between 105 and 110 degrees. Continue practicing heat safety if spending time outdoors.