More storms on the horizon to close out the week

We saw a wet and stormy Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky as the first of two cold fronts moved through the commonwealth. For the first time in several weeks most locations pick up measurable rain, which was very welcomed given how dry things have been across the area during the later half of the summer. A general quarter to half inch fell across the area with localized heavy amounts and we needed every bit of it given the latest Drought Monitor out on Thursday has a good chunk of the commonwealth now in a moderate drought. With the clouds and rain around, afternoon highs were held in check with temperatures topping out in the low to mid-70s.

Look for sunshine to return early on Friday as a strong southwest flow kicks in allowing temperatures to surge back into the mid-80s as the next cold front approaches the region. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop along the front late afternoon and through the evening hours with the potential for strong to severe storms now on the table. The Storm Prediction Center has most of the area in a Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk for late Friday afternoon and evening with all modes of severe weather including an isolated spin-up tornado threat in play. With another night of high school football games on the docket, you’ll need to monitor the weather into the evening hours as the storm threat increases.

The front should move through into the early hours of Saturday, leaving clouds and a lingering shower chance in place across Central and Eastern Kentucky. With a northwest flow ushering in cooler air and the cloud cover possibly hanging around, it could feel very fall-like again and actually good football weather as the Cats take on Ole Miss at Kroger Field on Saturday at 3:30 pm. After a few leftover showers possibly during the morning, we should begin to dry out but the stubborn cloud cover could stay put until late afternoon or early evening. If that happens temperatures may not even get out of the 60s for afternoon highs so plan accordingly if you are headed to the game or have any outdoor activities.

As cool high pressure settles in, look for a fantastic finish to the weekend on Sunday with more fall-like weather into early next week. With abundant sunshine and low humidity levels, it should feel fantastic once again. Afternoon highs will top out in the mid-70s before slowly climbing back toward the 80 degree mark and beyond into the mid-week. Expect some chilly morning lows, we are coolest morning being on Monday as temperatures drop into the low to mid-40s early, which could once again threaten some record lows for early to mid-September. The dry and tranquil weather pattern should hang tough much of next week as we rapidly wind down the summer season.