Dangerous heat continues across Kentucky with heat index values over 105 degrees through Thursday

The hottest stretch of the year continues through Thursday before isolated afternoon storm chances return heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Oppressive Heat Returns for Another Day

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 end of the week.

Temperatures have already climbed back into the low 80s this morning, and we’ll continue warming into the low to mid 90s by this afternoon. When you factor in the high humidity, it will feel much hotter outside, with heat index values climbing well above 100 degrees during the afternoon. While a few areas may briefly see some morning valley fog, the rest of the day will remain dry under mostly sunny skies.

This is all being driven by a strong area of high pressure parked over the Ohio Valley, which continues to bring the hottest temperatures we’ve experienced so far this year.

Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Continue

The dangerous heat will continue over the next several days, and heat alerts remain in effect across much of the region.

Here in Lexington and across much of the Bluegrass, the Extreme Heat warning remains in effect through 9:00 p.m. Thursday. For the rest of the viewing area, the Extreme Heat Warning has now been extended through 8:00 p.m. Friday.

Afternoon temperatures will remain in the low to mid 90s through Thursday, but the humidity will make it feel even hotter. Heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees are expected across the Bluegrass, while some communities outside the immediate Lexington area could see heat index values climb as high as 110 to 115 degrees.

Warm overnight temperatures, only falling back into the low to mid 70s, will offer very little relief before another hot afternoon arrives.

Practice Heat Safety

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:

• 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 in a parked vehicle.
• Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family members who may not have reliable air conditioning.

Even healthy individuals can experience heat-related illness after prolonged exposure to these conditions.

Storm Chances Slowly Return Later This Week

While the heat remains the biggest weather story, we’ll gradually begin to introduce small rain chances later this week.

Thursday will bring the first opportunity for isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms as the strong ridge of high pressure weakens just enough to allow a few storms to develop. Not everyone will see rain, but any storm that does form could produce torrential rainfall, gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief localized flash flooding because of very slow movement.

Rain chances increase a bit more Friday and continue through the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Even then, it won’t be a washout, but scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms will become more common.

Hot Holiday Weekend Ahead

The Fourth of July holiday weekend will remain hot and humid, although temperatures may ease back just slightly compared to the middle of the week.

Highs will continue to reach the lower 90s, while humidity stays elevated enough to keep heat index values well into the upper 90s and lower 100s. Daily afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain possible through the weekend, with any slow-moving storm capable of producing heavy rain, localized flash flooding, and gusty winds.

If you have outdoor holiday plans, make sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks from the heat, and continue checking the latest forecast as storm chances become a little more widespread.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, hot, and very humid. Afternoon highs in the low to mid 90s with heat index values between 100 and 105+ degrees.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, warm, and muggy with overnight lows only falling into the low to mid 70s.

Wednesday: Another dangerously hot day with mostly sunny skies. Highs in the mid 90s and heat index values once again climbing above 105 degrees. Continue practicing heat safety if spending time outdoors.