Hot temperatures continue ahead of Labor Day weekend storms

Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Happy Thursday! It was one of the hottest days of the entire summer yesterday, and that will continue today. Afternoon highs will be reaching the mid-to-upper 90s. There will be a bit more humidity as well, making it feel more humid as well. The heat index will likely peak in the upper 90s and low 100s for most locations. There is a small chance of a few pop-up storms during the peak of the heating today. There won’t be many of them, but the storms that do go up will at-least give some relief from the heat. Any storms will dissipate from the late evening leading to a warm overnight across the region.

This pattern continues into the day on Friday. Temperatures may be a degree or two “cooler” than Thursday but it’s still going to be hot out there. There is also a bit higher chance of isolated-to-widely scattered storms developing during the late afternoon and early evening. This could lead to a few lightning delays at the area high school football games. We aren’t expecting widespread storms though so not everyone will see impacts. It’s going to be a muggy evening at games as well. Bring the rain jacket in case you need it, but outside of that be ready for some hot and muggy conditions.

Saturday will bring more scattered-to-widespread across the region. It won’t be a complete washout, as there won’t be rain all day. Rain and storm chances will be increasing by the late afternoon and early evening. Unfortunately, this lines right up with the UK football games. Expect some warm and muggy conditions out at the tailgate, with rain and storm chances closer to game time. Some delays can’t be ruled out for the game due to lightning. Bring some rain gear if you are headed to Kroger Field. But remember it’s going to be muggy ahead of the storm chances.

The rain and storms Saturday evening will be ahead of a cold front that will eventually be bringing us a shot of refreshing air early next week. The front may take it’s time getting out of the area on Sunday. That will lead to rain and storm chances possible across the area, particularly in southern Kentucky on Sunday. If you’re heading to any of the area lakes for the Labor Day weekend, be alert for some storms.

By Labor Day on Monday we will be seeing improving conditions across the region. Cooler and more refreshing air moves in by Monday, leaving us with afternoon highs struggling to reach the low 80s. Expect a cool and very comfortable morning as you head back to work on Tuesday. Most locations will be in the 50s to begin the day. Temperatures will likely stay near-to-slightly below average through the middle of next week. Leading to afternoon highs ranging from the upper 70s to the low 80s.

Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.

ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny and hot with a few afternoon storms. Highs in the mid-to-upper 90s.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy and warm. Lows in the upper 60s and low 70s.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy and hot with isolated-to-scattered afternoon and early evening storms. Highs in the mid-90s.