Rain and storms likely on Friday ahead of a cooler, drier weekend

Expect off and on showers and storms on Friday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Your Friday is shaping up to be a soggy one across central and eastern Kentucky, with off-and-on rain showers and embedded thunderstorms continuing throughout the day. While most areas are expected to pick up anywhere from a half inch to an inch and a half of rain, isolated spots could see heavier totals, especially where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.

A few of these storms may briefly turn strong this afternoon and evening, but the overall severe threat today remains low. Still, with heavy downpours likely in spots, you’ll want to keep an eye out for ponding on roads and minor flooding issues in areas with poor drainage.

By the time we head into Saturday, the storm system responsible for today’s unsettled weather will begin to exit. A lingering shower can’t be ruled out early in the day—especially in southeastern Kentucky—but most of us will trend drier as the day wears on. Cooler air will filter in behind the front, with highs struggling to get out of the 60s across much of the region.

Sunday is shaping up to be the pick of the weekend with dry conditions, more sunshine, and a warming trend. Highs will rebound back into the low 70s, and we’ll hold onto that warmer air early next week.

Looking ahead, Monday looks quiet and warm, but we’re keeping a close eye on Tuesday. The Storm Prediction Center already has a 15% risk area outlined for portions of Kentucky in their extended severe weather outlook. That means strong-to-severe thunderstorms are possible Tuesday into Tuesday night as a potent cold front approaches. We’ll be monitoring that closely for timing and impacts as we get closer.

Rain and storm chances don’t end with Tuesday—scattered showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday as that front looks to stall across the region, potentially leading to multiple rounds of rain and a few stronger storms.