Heating up a bit heading into the late week
Afternoon highs will head back to average as scattered storm chances diminish
It was another warm August day across Central and Eastern Kentucky with a mix of sunshine and clouds, and highs settling into the mid-80s. A few scattered storms popped up during the afternoon, particularly in areas east of I-65, similar to Tuesday’s setup. For the spots that did see rain, it came down fast and heavy, leading to some localized flooding, gusty winds, and lightning. Meanwhile, areas that stayed dry enjoyed a fairly nice summer day with more typical humidity levels returning after the muggy stretch we saw in July.
Drying Out and Heating Up
As we head into Thursday, the upper-level system that brought midweek rain chances continues to weaken and slide east. This will open the door for a ridge of high pressure to build in from the west, bringing mostly sunny skies and a return to drier conditions. Highs will climb into the upper 80s to near 90°, but without oppressive humidity, it should feel more manageable. Still, with the sun beating down, it’s a good idea to take breaks and stay hydrated if you’re spending time outdoors. A stray pop-up storm is possible—especially in our far southern and southeastern counties—but most of us stay dry.
Weekend Looks Great for Outdoor Plans
The late-week forecast continues to trend in the right direction for outdoor activities. That upper-level ridge will hang tough over the region, keeping storm chances low and letting the summer warmth take center stage. Highs will hover near 90° both Friday and Saturday with plenty of sunshine expected. It’s a great setup for one last summer weekend before students head back to school. Just remember your sunscreen and drink plenty of water if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time.
Early Next Week: More Heat, Slight Storm Risk
The heat holds on into Sunday and early next week, with highs sticking around the upper 80s to near 90°. A bit of humidity will creep back in, making it feel slightly muggier—but nothing like the July heatwave. We’ll be caught between a low pressure system to our southeast and an approaching front to our northwest, which may lead to a few isolated afternoon storms, but most areas will stay dry. By the middle of next week, storm chances increase a bit more as that cold front finally makes its way into the Ohio Valley.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, patchy fog late. Lows in the mid-60s. Wind: NE 5 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, a stray storm or two. Highs in the upper-80s. Wind: E 5 mph.
Thursday Night: Fair skies, still mild. Lows in the mid to upper-60s. Wind: E 5 mph.
