Severe storms possible tonight as colder air returns to Kentucky

Fog clears, temperatures surge into the 60s, then strong thunderstorms threaten central and eastern Kentucky before a chilly weekend settles in

Fog, Thunderstorms, and a Severe Weather Threat Across Central and Eastern Kentucky

After a foggy and damp start to the morning, parts of central and eastern Kentucky finally saw skies begin to brighten up this afternoon. Dense fog reduced visibility early on, and scattered rain showers, even a few rumbles of thunder, moved through before clearing out.

Now, some sunshine is peeking through the clouds, helping temperatures climb quickly. Many communities are warming into the upper 60s this afternoon, making it feel much more like spring than winter across the region.

But don’t get too comfortable, the calm won’t last long.

Strong to Severe Storms Possible Tonight Into Early Friday

Later today and especially tonight, conditions will become favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms to develop and move through Kentucky.

As a powerful storm system approaches from the west, warmer air and increasing moisture will combine with strong winds in the atmosphere, a setup that can fuel intense storms.

While the highest risk for severe weather is expected northwest of Kentucky in southern Indiana, our area is still in line to see storms capable of:

• Damaging wind gusts
• Hail
• Heavy rainfall
• A low but real tornado risk

The exact severity will depend on how storms develop this evening, but it’s important to stay weather-aware and have alerts turned on overnight.

Storms may start as isolated cells before organizing into a broken line later this evening, with the threat continuing into the early overnight hours before gradually weakening.

Cooler and Breezy Behind the Front on Friday

Once the storms push out early Friday morning, much cooler air will move back in.

Skies will gradually clear, but winds may stay gusty through the day, especially north of I-64, making it feel even cooler.

Temperatures will fall through the morning before stabilizing in the low to mid-50s by afternoon, with some spots briefly rebounding into the upper 50s with sunshine.

Turning Colder Again This Weekend With a Few Flurries Possible

As we head into the weekend, another push of colder air arrives.

Saturday looks mostly dry, but a few isolated showers could sneak into far southern Kentucky. Late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, colder temperatures may allow a rain-snow mix or light snow flurries to develop, mainly in eastern parts of the state.

No meaningful accumulation is expected, but a few spots could see a light coating.

Sunday will feel much colder again, with highs mainly in the upper 30s and a chilly northwest breeze.

A Cold Start to Next Week Before Another Warmup

Monday and Tuesday look dry but cold, with afternoon highs staying in the low to mid-30s and overnight lows dropping into the upper teens and low 20s.

By midweek, warmer air returns once again, bringing temperatures back into the 50s along with another chance for rain by Wednesday and Thursday.