Still tracking some slushy snow accumulation potential into the weekend

It was quite a cold start to Wednesday across Central and Eastern Kentucky as skies cleared during the early morning hours allowing temperatures to drop all the way into the low 20s in most locations. We did manage to see some welcome sunshine through the morning hours before some mid-level clouds drifted in from the southwest a little ahead of schedule so afternoon highs were held in check somewhat as afternoon highs remained in the upper 30s with a few low 40s here and there.

A weak frontal boundary will drop through the Ohio Valley into early Thursday bringing a re-enforcing shot of colder air to the region. The good news is that we should see much more in the way of sunshine but with a north wind and a colder air mass in place, afternoon highs should struggle once again to make it out of the 30s.

Of course the main focus this forecast period is the potential for some wintry weather on Saturday across Central and Eastern Kentucky. The data is beginning to sync up a bit more as we draw closer so it is looking more likely we’ll see some accumulations of snow. Keep in mind that temperatures will be at or above freezing so it will be the slushy, wet snow that collects easily on the elevated surfaces, trees and grassy areas. It may fall hard enough for some slushy roadways but overall the impact shouldn’t be major.

The more favored area for the snow looks to be either side of the I-64 corridor across Central and Northern Kentucky with a better rain chance to the south. The best window for the precipitation should be during the morning hours with a fast exit to the northeast by afternoon. Luckily we aren’t looking any major cold air behind this system as another wave will follow suit on Sunday so that should help with road conditions. Any change in the track of the storm can and will impact who get what, so we’ll keep you update as we close out the week.

The next big system will arrive early next week with solid rain chances as temperatures surge into the low 50s thanks to a strong area of low pressure sliding by to our northwest. The more significant issue and impact will be some very strong winds associated with the low. Much of the forecast data has winds gusting over 45 miles per hour throughout Tuesday so it may be quite windy to say the least. You may recall all the wind events we had last winter that created issues so better to be prepared for any possible impacts with this system next week.

ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy and cold. Lows in mid to upper-20s.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny and chilly. Highs in the upper-30s.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, cold again. Lows in the low-20s.