Hot and humid weather hangs tough for a few more days

Some relief is on the way as our storm chances pick up late this week

August 18, 2025

T.G. Shuck,

After a steamy mid-August weekend, we started the new week with much of the same across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Afternoon highs climbed into the low 90s once again and with the humidity factored in, it felt more like upper 90s to near 100° at times but luckily that was confined to mostly Southern and Western Kentucky as a northeast wind actually helped dropped levels a bit here in the Bluegrass. Most of the region stayed dry under the influence of a strong ridge of high pressure overhead keeping the isolated pop-up storms away, which has been a rarity of late.

Tuesday: Heat Hangs On
That ridge sticks around for one more day, meaning Tuesday will bring another round of sweltering conditions. Sunshine will dominate, pushing highs into the low and mid-90s, while heat index values creep into the low 100s during the afternoon. The hottest readings will likely be west of the I-75 corridor. While a stray storm or two can’t be ruled out, most of us will stay dry. If you’re working or playing outside, be sure to hydrate and take frequent breaks during peak heating hours.

Midweek Front Brings Changes
Relief is finally on the horizon by midweek. A cold front will slide through the Ohio Valley on Wednesday, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms. While Wednesday still looks hot with highs around 90–92°, the front will help nudge temperatures back into the upper 80s by Thursday. Along with the cooler air, humidity levels should start to ease just a bit, making for a more tolerable late-week feel.

Looking Toward the Weekend
The bigger payoff arrives this weekend. A secondary front is expected to push through, bringing an even more refreshing air mass for late August. By Sunday, highs will be in the mid-80s with noticeably lower humidity—perfect for outdoor plans. Morning lows may even dip into the 50s early next week, a rare treat for this time of year. Meanwhile, Hurricane Erin will stay well offshore of the U.S. thanks to this pattern shift, though it will churn up dangerous rip currents along the East Coast.