Dodging a few storms over the next few days
While the overall severe threat looks lower mid-week, a few strong storms are still on the table
Despite a good bit of cloudiness across central and Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday we managed to see another unseasonably warm day across the region. A few peeks of sunshine from time to time along with a south wind helped to push afternoon highs into the upper 70s and low 80s yet again which is a solid 10 to 15 degrees above average for this time of the year. The warmer air should hang around for a couple of more days before we cool things down into the weekend.
We do have some subtle changes in the forecast for Wednesday as the overall coverage and intensity of the potential storms has backed off a bit. Now that’s not to say that we could see a stronger storm or two as a cold front moves through the area later Wednesday but the best energy and dynamics have shifted to our northwest closer to the area of low pressure. As a result, the Storm Prediction Center has dropped us to a Level 1 severe risk (out of 5) for late Wednesday with the higher threat through Ohio. Expect a breezy to windy Wednesday with southwest winds at 15 to 25 miles per hour, warm temperatures as highs reach the upper 70s and a few scattered storms on occasion.
We should be in between systems on Thursday so conditions look like once again with sunshine, breezy conditions and yet another day with afternoon highs making a run at the 80 degree mark. Our next storm system will be approaching from the west quickly so there is the possibility of a storm or two late in the day, especially across our far western counties. The bulk of our rain and storm chances should arrive Thursday night and into Friday morning as the cold front moves through. Once again the more favored area for organized severe weather into Thursday night stays just to our west with the Storm Prediction Center putting our area in a Level 1 severe risk (out of 5) with the Level 2 threat out to our west. Damaging winds and hail look to be the primary threats and hopefully the timing with it being after dark and the loss of daytime heating will help lessen the overall severe threat as we reach Thursday.
Some of the data is showing a quicker exit of the rain by the afternoon hours as temperatures back down into the upper 60s to end the week on Friday. The data is now trending drier across the board for the upcoming weekend but temperatures will be a little below average but not bad as afternoon highs reach the upper 50s and low 50s Saturday and Sunday. Early morning lows should be a bit chilly so we’ll keep an eye on any frost potential with the cooler air moving in.
ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
TUESDAY NIGHT: Breezy and mild with a few storms. Lows in the low-60s.
WEDNESDAY: Windy with scattered storms. Highs in the upper 70s.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, more storms possible. Lows in the mid-50s.
