Mild January weather continues before rain returns late week
Above average temperatures stick around as clouds increase and rain chances rise by Thursday and Friday
Sunshine and mild air continue for now
We started the day on a chilly note across central and southern Kentucky, with morning temperatures in the low 30s. Thanks to plenty of sunshine and a steady southwest breeze, temperatures warmed quickly this afternoon, climbing into the upper 50s and even touching the low to mid 60s in a few spots. That sunshine has been a welcome change and is part of a broader stretch of mild January weather settling in across the Ohio Valley.
Clouds increase tonight, but temperatures stay mild
Tonight won’t be nearly as cold as recent nights. With southwest winds staying up and clouds gradually increasing, temperatures will only fall into the low to mid 40s. Those clouds are moving in ahead of a warm front approaching from the west, and they’ll be noticeable by the time you head out the door Tuesday morning.
Tuesday stays warm with a spotty shower chance
Tuesday will be another unseasonably mild day, even with more clouds overhead. Afternoon highs will reach the mid to upper 50s, which is well above average for early January. A narrow band of moisture moving in with the warm front could bring patchy drizzle or a few isolated light showers, mainly during the afternoon and especially east of I-65 and into southeastern parts of the viewing area. Many locations will stay dry, but a brief sprinkle can’t be ruled out.
It will also be breezier, with southwest winds gusting between 15 and 25 mph at times, adding to the mild feel.
Clearing skies return Wednesday
Any spotty drizzle Tuesday evening fades out quickly as drier air moves back in. Clouds will begin to clear late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, allowing sunshine to return. Wednesday looks dry and mild, with highs again climbing into the upper 50s. This will keep us well above normal as we head toward the middle of the week.
Turning unsettled late week with rain and storm chances
By Thursday, clouds will increase once again as a stronger system approaches from the west. Rain chances ramp up late Thursday into Friday, with Friday shaping up as the wettest day of the week. W are watching the potential for a few embedded thunderstorms during this time, and while confidence is still low, a few storms could become strong late Thursday or Thursday night.
Rainfall totals through Saturday could add up to one to two inches, which should be manageable overall, though heavier downpours could cause minor issues in spots. Temperatures remain unusually warm through Friday, staying in the upper 50s and low 60s, before cooling closer to seasonal levels heading into the weekend and early next week.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy and mild. Temperatures fall into the low to mid 40s. Southwest winds remain breezy at times.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, breezy, and warm. Highs reach the mid to upper 50s. A slight chance for patchy drizzle or an isolated light shower, mainly in southeastern areas.
Tuesday Night: Clouds gradually thin late. Any drizzle ends early. Lows dip into the upper 30s to low 40s, still mild for this time of year.
