Spring-like warmth takes over ahead of a weekend severe threat
Temperatures climbing into the 70s for the middle of the week ahead of a strong-to-severe storm threat this weekend
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A taste of spring continues across central and eastern Kentucky as temperatures climb well into the 70s over the next few days. However, our stretch of warm, quiet weather will soon give way to an active weekend pattern, with a strong storm system bringing the potential for heavy rain, gusty winds, and even severe storms.
Warm and Dry Through Midweek
Southwesterly winds will help push highs into the low to mid-70s across the region Tuesday and Wednesday. Skies will stay mostly sunny, though some passing high clouds are possible at times. A weak frontal boundary will sag toward the Ohio River tonight, but it will have little impact on our local weather aside from shifting winds slightly.
The warmest day of the workweek may end up being Friday as southwesterly winds strengthen ahead of our next storm system. Highs will climb well into the upper 70s, possibly flirting with record territory in some spots.
Increasing Weekend Storm Threat
A weak disturbance will move through on Thursday, bringing a slight chance for an isolated shower or two, mainly in southern Kentucky. However, the main focus remains on a more significant system arriving Friday night through Saturday.
A potent low-pressure system will track through the central U.S. this weekend, dragging a cold front through Kentucky. Ahead of this system, strong southerly winds will pump in moisture, increasing rain and storm chances overnight Friday into Saturday morning.
The Storm Prediction Center has already highlighted all of central and eastern Kentucky under at least a Level 2 (15%) Severe Risk for Saturday into Saturday night. While details remain uncertain, strong-to-severe storms could develop, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. In addition to the storm threat, non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 40-45 mph may be possible Friday night into Saturday.
Widespread rainfall totals of 1-3 inches are expected between Friday night and Sunday, with the heaviest rain likely falling later Saturday into Saturday night. Some localized areas could pick up 2-4 inches within stronger storms, leading to an isolated risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Cooler Air Moves In for St. Patrick’s Day
As the system exits, cooler air will filter into the region. Highs on Sunday will drop back into the 50s with lingering showers possible. By Monday, drier weather returns, but temperatures will remain seasonable, topping out in the upper 50s to low 60s—quite the contrast from this week’s warmth.
