Nice Wednesday ahead of heavy rain Thursday night
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Happy Wednesday! The calm and pleasant weather today will soon give way to an active end to the workweek. High pressure building across the Ohio Valley will keep today’s conditions quiet and sunny, with temperatures topping out in the low 50s. Winds, initially breezy, will ease throughout the day as the high settles in. Tonight, clear skies and calm winds will allow temperatures to drop more than recent nights, with lows falling into the upper 20s and low 30s.
Thursday begins on a quiet note, with highs climbing into the low-to-mid 50s. However, this tranquility will be short-lived as an approaching system brings widespread rain to the region late Thursday into Friday.
An area of low pressure, currently developing over the Plains, will move toward the Ohio Valley, accompanied by a surge of moisture. Rain chances increase Thursday afternoon as a warm front lifts into the region, bringing light to moderate showers. By Thursday evening, heavier rain will arrive, with a strong low-level jet aiding moisture transport and enhancing rainfall intensity. The heaviest rain is expected overnight into Friday morning as the cold front moves through.
Rainfall and Flooding Potential
A widespread 1-2 inches of rain is expected, with locally higher amounts possible, particularly in southern and western Kentucky. While widespread flooding isn’t anticipated, localized issues such as ponding on roadways or rising creeks and streams may occur, especially in areas with poor drainage.
Gusty Winds and Lingering Showers on Friday
As the system progresses, rain will taper off from west to east Friday morning. However, gusty winds will develop during the day, with speeds of 30-35 mph possible by the afternoon. A second round of scattered showers could develop on the system’s backside Friday afternoon before clearing out by evening.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday will bring drier and cooler conditions as the system departs. Highs will reach the mid-to-upper 40s under partly cloudy skies. By Sunday, southerly winds will return, pushing temperatures into the upper 50s and potentially near 60.
Looking Ahead
Early next week, the weather looks mild and quiet, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Another system could approach by midweek, bringing the next chance for rain, though details remain uncertain at this time.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.
