Heat builds in as we welcome the summer season
Afternoon highs will top out around 90 degrees this weekend
Friday wrapped up spring on a high note across Central and Eastern Kentucky, with a picture-perfect afternoon of sunshine and warm temperatures. After the recent parade of thunderstorms, this calmer and brighter finish to the week was more than welcome. Highs climbed into the mid-80s, setting the tone for what’s to come. And as the Summer Solstice officially hits at 10:41 PM Friday, Mother Nature won’t miss a beat—ushering in a stretch of real-deal summer heat.
A Dry and Hot Weekend Ahead
After weeks of hit-or-miss downpours, we’re finally staring down a completely dry weekend from start to finish—something we haven’t seen in quite some time. A strong ridge of high pressure is building across the eastern U.S., and it’s bringing plenty of sunshine and summer warmth to the Ohio Valley. Highs on Saturday will reach near 90 degrees, though recent rains and abundant greenery may help keep us just shy of the low 90s. Still, with the humidity ticking upward, it will feel muggy—so hydration and sunscreen are musts if you’re heading outside.
Turning Up the Heat by Sunday
Sunday brings more of the same, but a notch warmer. Afternoon highs will climb into the low 90s, and with dewpoints back in the 70s, it’s going to feel very summerlike. Heat index values will approach 100°, marking the hottest weather we’ve seen so far in 2025. This first true taste of summer heat can be tough to adjust to, so be sure to take it easy, especially during the hottest part of the day. Shade, breaks, and plenty of water will go a long way.
Hot, Humid, and Mostly Dry Into Next Week
The heat ridge sticks around into early next week, and things only get hotter. As the ground begins to dry out, highs could reach the mid-90s by Tuesday or Wednesday. That, combined with high humidity, will drive heat index values well into the triple digits. Even with high pressure overhead, the steamy afternoons could eventually cook up a few isolated pop-up storms—but those look more likely by the middle of next week. Until then, expect sunny skies, sweltering afternoons, and warm, sticky nights.
Friday Night: Mostly clear and pleasant. Lows in the mid-60s. Wind: S 5 mph.
Saturday: More sunshine, heating up. Highs in the upper-80s. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.
Saturday Night: Fair skies, warm and muggy. Lows in the upper-60s and low-70s. Wind: S 5-10 mph.
