Late July heatwave rolls along into the mid-week

If you’ve been dreaming of cooler air, hang tight—relief is just around the corner. But for now, the intense summer heatwave that’s gripped Central and Eastern Kentucky over the past week continues to hang on. Tuesday brought another round of low to mid-90s for afternoon highs with heat index values topping out near 105° in some spots although a wave of energy over the Ohio Valley helped some stubborn low cloud cover to hang tough for awhile, which had an impact on highs so a few locations actually underachieved into the upper 80s, which was a nice surprise. A few isolated storms dotted the radar but they were less widespread than on Monday offering little relief from the relentless humidity. The Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 PM Wednesday.

Dangerous Heat Peaks Wednesday

Wednesday should mark the final day of extreme heat for this stretch, but it’s still going to be uncomfortable. Expect highs once again in the low to mid-90s, with heat index values well over 100°, especially in urban areas and valleys. If you’re spending time outdoors, be sure to take it slow during the hottest part of the day, stay hydrated, and reapply that sunscreen. Isolated to scattered storms could bubble up during the afternoon especially east of I-65, but they’ll be more nuisance than widespread.

Pattern Change Arrives Thursday

A much-needed shift arrives Thursday as a cold front slowly drops in from the northwest, increasing our chances for scattered showers and storms. While the rain could locally be heavy at times, especially with slow-moving or training storms, the real win is the drop in temperature and humidity. Highs Thursday should fall back into the mid-80s, helping to break our week-long heat streak. By Friday, drier and more comfortable air settles in behind the front as high pressure builds into the Great Lakes.

A Beautiful Start to August

The first few days of August are looking fantastic. Friday and Saturday will both feature sunshine, noticeably lower humidity, and highs in the low to mid-80s. Some locations could even dip into the upper 50s by Saturday morning—a refreshing change after so many steamy mornings. Outdoor plans are a go for the weekend, especially Saturday, which is shaping up to be one of the most comfortable days we’ve seen in weeks. A bit of moisture may try to sneak back in by Sunday or early next week, so a stray shower or storm isn’t out of the question, but overall, the forecast stays pleasant.