Showers and storms bring relief to dry conditions

Central and Eastern Kentucky shifts from hot and dry to a rainy pattern this week

A Warm and Sunny Saturday Wraps Up

Saturday was another summer like day across Central Kentucky, with highs climbing into the low 90s for many and upper 80s in the southeast. A few isolated showers and storms bubbled up during the afternoon, but they faded quickly into the early evening. Drought conditions across much of the area helped keep temperatures running hotter than average, while southeastern counties—where drought is less severe—stayed just a touch cooler. Tonight, skies will remain mostly clear, and lows will settle into the mid-60s.

Rain Chances Build Into Sunday

The quiet, sunny stretch we’ve been in is about to break. Moisture will begin streaming back into the region Sunday, and that will help kick off scattered showers and thunderstorms through the day. Not everyone will see rain, but activity is expected to become more widespread by late morning into the afternoon. A few storms could be on the stronger side, producing gusty winds, brief downpours, and lightning. Highs will still run warm, topping out in the mid to upper 80s.

A Wetter Pattern for the Week Ahead

Once the rain starts Sunday, it won’t be a one-and-done event. An unsettled weather pattern sets up through much of the upcoming week, keeping daily rain and storm chances in play. Some days could bring heavier rounds of rainfall, while others will feature more scattered activity. Overall, Central Kentucky could see anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain through next Friday, with locally higher totals possible.

This is welcome news, as the latest drought monitor shows much of the region now classified in moderate drought. While it won’t completely erase the deficit, multiple days of soaking rain will certainly help ease dry conditions.

Temperatures Trend Back to Normal

Along with the rain, temperatures will slowly cool off toward more seasonal levels. Highs early in the week will still reach the mid-80s, but by mid-to-late week, readings are expected to fall back into the upper 70s. Overnight lows will generally sit in the 60s, keeping things mild.

ABC 36 36-Hour Forecast

Saturday Night: Mostly clear skies, lows in the mid-60s.

Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, highs in the mid to upper 80s. Some storms could be strong with gusty winds and brief heavy rain.

Sunday Night: Scattered showers continue, lows in the low to mid-60s.