Near-record warmth for Friday before storms arrive this weekend
Near-record warmth across the Bluegrass today
A very warm and humid air mass remains in place across the Bluegrass region early Friday, bringing springlike temperatures that could challenge daily records.
A few scattered showers moved through parts of central Kentucky early this morning, but most of that activity will shift northeast shortly after sunrise. Patchy fog may develop briefly as clouds thin, though it should dissipate quickly during the morning.
The rest of the day looks mainly dry with a mix of clouds and sunshine. Southerly winds will pick up through the afternoon, occasionally gusting up to around 25 mph. Temperatures are expected to surge into the upper 70s and even the mid 80s in some areas — well above normal for early March and close to record highs for the date.
If you plan to head outside to enjoy the warmth, watch the radar. Short-lived pop-up showers will bring a few of us rain and thunder through the afternoon.
Mild tonight as the next system approaches
Conditions remain unusually mild overnight with steady south winds continuing across the region. Temperatures will only fall into the mid 60s by Saturday morning, which is closer to typical daytime highs this time of year.
Most of the night should stay dry, although clouds will gradually increase ahead of the next weather system approaching from the Midwest.
Storms likely Saturday
A cold front moving toward Kentucky will bring a line of showers and thunderstorms to the Bluegrass region on Saturday. Storms begin arriving early Saturday afternoon in western parts of the region before spreading east through the afternoon/evening.
While the atmosphere may not have a long time to fully destabilize, conditions still support the potential for a few stronger storms. The main threat appears to be isolated damaging wind gusts, though a brief tornado cannot be completely ruled out. A level 1 Severe Weather Risk exists for a majority of the Bluegrass, with a Level 2 Risk to the NE.
Rain and thunderstorms should gradually shift east of the region by Saturday evening, although additional showers may linger as the cold front slowly pushes through the state.
Brief break before more rain next week
Behind the front, conditions will turn somewhat quieter for Sunday and possibly into Monday with drier weather returning to central Kentucky.
However, the break may not last long. Another storm system is expected to develop early next week, bringing renewed chances for periods of rain beginning Monday night and continuing into Tuesday.
With several rounds of rain possible, the potential exists for heavier rainfall totals and localized flooding concerns across parts of the region as the active pattern continues.
