Gradually clearing out the skies on this cooler Friday

Temperatures will struggle to hit the mid-to-upper 60s to close out the week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – It’s a cooler end to the workweek across central and eastern Kentucky as high pressure builds in behind a departing cold front. That northerly breeze is keeping our afternoon highs in the mid-60s for most, with gradually clearing skies expected as we head through the day.

CHILLY NIGHT AHEAD

The combination of clearing skies and calm winds tonight will allow temperatures to drop sharply. Many spots across the region will dip into the low 40s, with some sheltered valleys even seeing upper 30s by early Saturday morning. If you’re heading out early this weekend, you’ll definitely want the jacket.

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND OUTLOOK

Despite a chilly start, Saturday shapes up to be a beautiful day. Expect mostly sunny skies and highs rebounding into the upper 60s to around 70°. Sunday (Mother’s Day) brings a warmer afternoon, with increasing clouds but dry weather holding in place for most of the day. Highs will climb into the low to mid-70s ,  great weather for any outdoor dinners or family gatherings.

TURNING UNSETTLED NEXT WEEK

A slow-moving weather system will bring back rain chances early next week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely Monday through Wednesday, with Tuesday currently looking like the wettest of the three days. As the upper-level low shifts out midweek, warmer air moves in.

By Thursday, we’ll be back near the 80° mark — but that warmth could fuel storm chances late in the week. We’ll be keeping a close eye on that potential, so stay tuned.