Hot and steamy forecast returns the rest of the week

After a pleasant start to Wednesday, temperatures heat up by the afternoon

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – It’s a refreshing start to our Wednesday across central and eastern Kentucky, with early morning temperatures dipping into the 60s in many locations. Enjoy the mild air while it lasts—because summer’s heat is back in full swing by this afternoon.

Highs today will climb into the low 90s under mostly sunny skies. Fortunately, humidity will stay in check, making the warmth feel more tolerable compared to what we’ll face later this week. Winds will be light and variable, and skies will remain mainly dry, though a very isolated pop-up shower or storm can’t be ruled out—particularly near the Kentucky/Tennessee border.

By tonight, expect a quiet and mostly clear sky. Overnight lows will fall into the upper 60s to low 70s, depending on elevation. Patchy fog is again possible in river valleys late tonight into early Thursday.

 Heat and Humidity Build Back In

While today offers a bit of a reprieve, Thursday through the weekend will feature a return of high humidity and steamy conditions. Temperatures will again soar into the low to mid 90s, and as dew points rise, heat index values will push near or above 100°, especially by Friday.

No major organized storm systems are expected for the next few days, but isolated afternoon storms will become more likely beginning Thursday and Friday—especially in southern and eastern Kentucky. Most locations, however, should remain dry until the weekend.

 Weekend Outlook: More Muggy, Stormier Conditions Ahead

As we head into the weekend, increasing moisture and instability will fuel scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms, especially by Sunday. Some of these could be slow-moving due to light winds aloft, which could lead to locally heavy rainfall. We’ll watch for any potential hydro issues as that time approaches.

Highs through the weekend will continue to sit in the upper 80s to low 90s, but it will feel hotter thanks to elevated humidity levels.