Dangerous heat continues across Kentucky before more summer storms return

Extreme heat and humidity remain the main weather story through the Fourth of July as isolated afternoon thunderstorms gradually become more common heading into the holiday weekend.

Hot and Humid Weather Stays Locked In

We’re starting off another day on a warm and muggy note across central and eastern Kentucky, and the hot weather isn’t going anywhere through the holiday weekend.

Temperatures have already climbed into the mid to upper 80s this morning and will continue warming into the low to mid 90s by this afternoon. Combined with tropical-like humidity, it will feel even hotter outside, with heat index values climbing between 100 and 105 degrees for many communities and as high as 110 to 115 degrees in a few locations.

A little patchy fog developed in some river valleys early this morning, but once that burns off, we’ll see a mix of sunshine and scattered fair-weather clouds through much of the day. While most communities will stay dry, we can’t completely rule out an isolated afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm, mainly across southern Kentucky.

Extreme Heat Warning Remains in Effect

The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect across the entire viewing area through the end of the week as dangerous heat continues to grip the region.

Afternoon temperatures will stay in the low to mid 90s over the next several days, but the high humidity is what will make conditions dangerous. Heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees are expected each afternoon, while overnight temperatures only fall into the 70s, providing very little relief from the heat.

This prolonged stretch of hot days and warm nights increases the risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for those spending extended time outdoors or without access to air conditioning.

Remember Your Heat Safety

If you’ll be outside over the next several days, it’s important to take extra precautions.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or inside air conditioning.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone without reliable cooling.

Even healthy individuals can become overheated after prolonged exposure to these dangerous conditions.

Storm Chances Begin to Return

While the heat remains the biggest weather story, we’re beginning to see our typical summertime weather pattern slowly return.

Starting  Friday, isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms will be possible. Coverage will remain fairly limited, so many communities will stay dry, but any storm that develops will have plenty of heat and humidity to work with.

Some storms could become briefly strong, producing gusty winds, frequent lightning, and torrential rainfall. With weak steering winds in place, storms will move slowly, allowing heavy rain to fall over the same areas for a short period of time.

Fourth of July Weekend Looks Hot With Spotty Storms

If you have plans for the Fourth of July, the forecast is still looking favorable overall.

Friday will feature another hot and humid day with only isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. It certainly won’t be a washout, and many communities should stay dry through much of the day.

The chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms continues through Saturday before rain chances become a little higher later in the weekend and into early next week as a weak front approaches the Ohio Valley. Even then, we’re not expecting all-day rain, but typical summertime storms will become more common.

Temperatures will ease back just slightly by late in the weekend thanks to increasing cloud cover and rain chances, although highs will still reach the upper 80s to lower 90s with muggy conditions continuing.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Thursday: Mostly sunny, dangerously hot, and very humid. Afternoon highs in the low to mid 90s with heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees. A slight chance of an isolated afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm, mainly across southern Kentucky.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, warm, and muggy. Overnight lows only falling into the mid to upper 70s. Patchy fog will be possible in some river valleys by Friday morning.

Friday: Hot and humid with highs in the low to mid 90s. Isolated to scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms will be possible. Any storm could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief torrential downpours, but many areas will remain dry.