Mainly dry and warm pattern expected into the holiday weekend

Temperatures will be climbing into the low 90s by Friday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – After a refreshing start in the low-to-mid 60s this morning, Thursday is shaping up to be another mainly dry and seasonably warm day across central and eastern Kentucky. You might notice a few mid-level clouds drifting through early, and there is a very slim chance for a stray afternoon shower — but for most of us, the day stays dry and enjoyable.

Expect mostly sunny skies through much of the day with highs climbing into the upper 80s for many communities. Humidity levels remain on the lower side, making the warmth feel a bit more tolerable than what we’ve been used to. It’s a good one for getting outside before the heat really kicks in over the next few days.

Overnight tonight, we’ll dip back into the mid-60s under mostly clear skies. Valley fog will likely form in the usual spots by early Friday morning, so be alert on rural roads for reduced visibility if you’re out early.

Looking Ahead to the 4th of July

Your Independence Day forecast is looking fantastic. After any morning fog burns off, Friday will feature mostly sunny skies with highs climbing into the low 90s. Dew points will start to creep upward, but the worst of the muggy conditions should hold off until the weekend. Friday evening plans — including fireworks displays — should go off without a hitch with pleasant temperatures in the 70s after sunset and dry conditions continuing.

Heating Up This Weekend

Saturday and Sunday bring hotter and increasingly humid weather. Afternoon highs will surge into the lower to middle 90s with heat indices likely pushing well into the 90s during the afternoon hours. It’ll feel more like July again — so stay cool and hydrated if you’re spending extended time outdoors.

While Saturday stays dry, we’ll be watching the return of rain and thunderstorm chances late Sunday. A weak front will attempt to drop into the region and stall nearby, which may spark a few isolated to scattered storms by Sunday evening, especially in southern and southeastern Kentucky.

Next Week: Storm Chances Return

The more unsettled pattern sets in by Monday and lingers into midweek. Expect scattered showers and storms each afternoon, with locally heavy downpours possible thanks to high humidity and deep moisture returning. Highs will back off slightly into the upper 80s and low 90s, but with higher dew points, it will still feel quite hot and sticky.