Dry air and sunshine continue across Kentucky before humidity returns this weekend

Comfortable conditions remain through Friday before scattered showers and storms return later this weekend

Sunshine and Comfortable Air Continue Across the Bluegrass

It’s another beautiful day across Central and Eastern Kentucky as sunshine dominates the forecast and comfortable conditions continue. We started Wednesday morning with cooler temperatures with some of us starting off into the upper 40s this morning. We have since warmed things up throughout the morning and we are seeing clear skies, and that trend is expected to continue throughout the afternoon.

High pressure centered over the Ohio Valley remains in control of our weather pattern and continues to funnel very dry air into the region. That has led to noticeably lower humidity levels compared to the muggy conditions many of us experienced through much of May.

This afternoon, temperatures will climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s under mostly sunny skies. Even with the warmer temperatures, the dry air will keep conditions feeling comfortable for early June.

Dry Air Sticks Around Through Tonight

The same area of high pressure will remain directly overhead tonight, creating ideal conditions for another cool and comfortable evening.

Skies will remain mostly clear, winds will become light, and temperatures will fall back into the mid to upper 50s by Thursday morning. Some of the typically cooler locations could even dip a bit lower before sunrise.

The combination of clear skies and low humidity will make for excellent sleeping weather across the region.

Warming Trend Begins Thursday and Continues Into the Weekend

As we move into Thursday and Friday, the center of high pressure will gradually shift east of Kentucky. This will allow winds to turn more southerly and begin transporting warmer air back into the Ohio Valley.

Temperatures will steadily climb through the end of the week, with afternoon highs reaching the mid to upper 80s by Thursday and continuing through Saturday.

The weather will remain dry through the first half of the weekend, providing excellent conditions for outdoor plans, sporting events, and summer activities.

Humidity Returns Along With Weekend Rain Chances

While Saturday looks mainly dry, changes begin arriving Saturday night as a cold front drops southward from Canada toward the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

At the same time, moisture levels will begin increasing across Kentucky. That means humidity will start making a comeback, and it will feel much more like summertime by Sunday and early next week.

Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop beginning late Saturday night and continuing into Sunday. Current forecast trends suggest the better rain chances may focus across southern Kentucky as the front settles farther south, while northern portions of the state could remain somewhat drier.

No Washout Expected, But Keep an Eye on the Forecast

The good news is that this does not appear to be a widespread heavy rain event. Rainfall totals currently look relatively light, with most locations expected to receive less than a half inch of rainfall.

Severe weather is also not anticipated at this time. Instead, expect scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours Sunday through early next week.

While outdoor plans should still be possible, it will be wise to keep an eye on the forecast if you have activities planned later this weekend.

Summer-Like Warmth Likely Through Mid-Month

Looking beyond the weekend, temperatures are expected to remain above average through at least the middle of June.

Highs will continue reaching the mid to upper 80s while humidity levels remain elevated. That means Kentucky’s first extended stretch of true summer weather appears to be settling in as we move deeper into June.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Wednesday
Mostly sunny and comfortable. Highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Wednesday Night
Clear and cool. Lows in the mid to upper 50s.

Thursday
Mostly sunny, warm, and dry. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.