One more heavy rain threat on Monday ahead of a drier middle of the week

A Flood Watch remains in effect through 8 PM Monday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – After several days of active weather, Monday brings one final round of heavy rain potential across central and eastern Kentucky, with a Flood Watch in effect through 8 PM this evening. While not everyone will see downpours, areas that do may experience localized flash flooding due to the saturated ground and slow-moving storms.

Today – Heavy Rain Potential with Flash Flood Risk

Scattered showers and storms will continue to fire throughout the day, fueled by a warm and humid airmass. The atmosphere remains primed with deep moisture — precipitable water values near 2 inches — which means any storm could dump a quick inch or two of rain in a short period.

The coverage of storms is expected to be hit-or-miss, but corridors of training storms could lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in low-lying or poor-drainage areas. Some of the strongest cells may also bring brief gusty winds and lightning, though severe weather is not the main concern today.

• Highs: Upper 80s to low 90s, depending on cloud cover and rain.

• Flood Watch: In effect through 8 PM for most of central and eastern Kentucky.

• Storm Timing: Most activity should fade by sunset, with dry weather expected overnight.

Tonight – Drying Out

Once the sun sets, drier air will begin filtering in from the northeast, helping to shut down lingering showers. Overnight lows will fall into the mid to upper 60s in the north and east, with low 70s remaining further south. Humidity levels will drop, setting the stage for a more comfortable Tuesday morning.

Tuesday – A Breath of Fresh (and Drier) Air

Tuesday kicks off with pleasant, less muggy air — especially noticeable in the morning. While a few isolated pop-up showers or storms are possible in southern Kentucky during the afternoon, the day will largely be dry and seasonably warm.

• Highs: Upper 80s to around 90°

• Humidity: Lower in the morning, climbing slightly by afternoon

• Sky: Partly to mostly sunny

Enjoy this brief reprieve, because summer heat and humidity return in full force by midweek.

Mid-to-Late Week – Humidity and Heat Build

By Wednesday and Thursday, high pressure will strengthen over the region. This will lead to a noticeable uptick in heat and humidity, with highs reaching the lower to mid-90s and heat indices near or above 100° by late week.

Storm chances will remain relatively low through Thursday, but an isolated afternoon storm can’t be ruled out, especially in the heat of the day.

• Wednesday–Thursday: Hot and humid, with limited rain chances

• Heat Index: Approaching 100° in many areas, especially south and west

Weekend Outlook – Heat Continues, Storms Return

By Friday and into the weekend, the steamy pattern continues, and storm chances increase again as a weak front tries to sag south into the Ohio Valley. While exact timing is still uncertain, afternoon and evening storms look more likely Saturday and Sunday, offering some relief from the heat but also bringing more rain concerns.