One more summer-like day on the way for Thursday

All things considered it turned out to be another pretty nice Wednesday weather-wise across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Other than an area of morning rain with some embedded thunder, much of the day was dry although some scattered clouds masked out the sunshine from time to time. Afternoon highs still managed to sneak into the low to mid-70s with a few spots topping out in the upper 70s where we saw a bit more in the way of sunshine. The good news is that we’ve got one more summer-like day on the way before some changes kick in.

A strong storm system will make a run through the Ohio Valley later Thursday and into Friday but at this point the timing of the system moving through should work to our advantage in several ways. First we are looking at a mostly sunny Thursday as afternoon highs run back into the low 80s, which is a solid 15 degrees above where we should be for this time in April. You’ll definitely want to get out and enjoy it if possible.

A complex of thunderstorms is forecast to move through our area late Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday. With its later arrival that should cut down on the overall severe threat although some damaging winds and hail will be possible with any strong storms, even as this complex weakens out. The more favored area for severe weather will be far Western Kentucky where they are under a Level 3 severe risk (out of 5) later tomorrow but the threat ramps down to a Level 1 (out of 5) for Central and Southern Kentucky. Make sure to keep abreast of the weather tomorrow evening but it is looking more favorable for the worst weather to stay out of our area. Some heavier rain will be possible and some spots here in the Bluegrass could pick up close to a quick inch of rain thanks to the torrential downpours.

After a few spotty showers Friday morning we should begin to dry out to end the week and kick off the upcoming weekend. The biggest change will be cooler temperatures compared to what we have enjoyed much of this week. Highs will be in the upper 60s Friday, which is right on par for later April before a secondary shot of even cooler air filters in for the weekend. With a mix of clouds and sunshine, afternoon highs should only reach the upper 50s and low 60s with early morning lows dropping into the upper 30s so expect a quick reality check on Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures should slowly begin to recover next week as a fairly weak system approaches from the northwest. The model data isn’t really synced up fully with the timing of the arrival and the latest info indicates we may actually hold off on any shower chances until next Tuesday night and into Wednesday. Afternoon highs should be a little better with readings in the mid-60s.

ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A few clouds, breezy and pleasant. Lows in the mid-50s.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny and warm. Highs in the low-80s.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Rain and storms, tapering off late. Lows in the upper-50s.