Storms and heavy rain return to Kentucky Wednesday night into Thursday
Warm and humid air builds back into the region before a powerful storm system brings severe weather and flooding concerns
Pleasant Tuesday Gives Way to Increasing Humidity
After a refreshing start to the week, Central and Eastern Kentucky are enjoying another comfortable day on Tuesday. Cooler and drier air remains in place this morning, but changes are already underway.
As an area of high pressure shifts eastward, winds will begin turning back out of the south. That southerly flow will gradually bring warmer temperatures and increasing moisture back into the region throughout the day.
For most locations, Tuesday will remain dry with a mix of sunshine and clouds. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the lower 80s, making for another pleasant June day.
A Few Showers Possible This Evening
Later this afternoon and evening, a weak cold front approaching from the north may spark a few isolated showers and thunderstorms, especially along and north of the I-64 corridor.
Many communities will remain dry, but a brief shower or rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out through the evening hours. Any activity that develops is expected to remain below severe limits and gradually weaken overnight.
Temperatures tonight will stay mild, with lows ranging from the upper 50s north of I-64 to the low and mid-60s farther south.
Wednesday Turns Warmer and More Humid
Wednesday will feature a noticeable increase in both temperatures and humidity levels as a powerful storm system begins organizing across the Great Lakes.
Most of the daylight hours Wednesday are expected to remain dry with a mix of sunshine and clouds. Strong southerly winds will help temperatures surge into the upper 80s while dew points climb into the upper 60s and lower 70s, making it feel much more summer-like.
Wind gusts could reach 30 to 35 mph during the afternoon, even before thunderstorms arrive.
Strong Storms Possible Wednesday Night Into Thursday
Attention then turns to Wednesday night and Thursday as a stronger June storm system tracks through the Great Lakes.
A line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to develop west of Kentucky Wednesday evening before pushing eastward overnight into Thursday morning. While the greatest severe weather threat currently appears to be across southern Indiana, portions of Central Kentucky could still experience strong to severe storms.
The primary concerns with this system will be damaging wind gusts, torrential rainfall, frequent lightning, and localized flooding. While the tornado threat appears lower across much of Central Kentucky, it cannot be completely ruled out given the strong wind fields associated with this system.
Heavy Rainfall Could Bring Flooding Concerns
Beyond the severe weather threat, heavy rainfall may become a significant concern on Thursday.
The cold front is expected to slow down and potentially stall across portions of Kentucky. At the same time, deep Gulf moisture will surge northward into the Ohio Valley, creating an environment capable of producing very efficient rainfall.
Many locations could receive between 1 and 2 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas. While the rainfall will be beneficial for drought-stricken areas of southern Kentucky, it could also lead to localized flash flooding concerns if heavier rainfall rates develop.
Drier Weather Returns for Father’s Day Weekend
The good news is that the unsettled weather should gradually move out by Friday.
A return of drier air and building high pressure will bring improving conditions heading into Father’s Day weekend. Saturday currently looks dry with seasonable temperatures, while rain chances may begin increasing again later Sunday into early next week.
Temperatures will settle back closer to normal by the weekend, with highs generally in the lower to middle 80s.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Tuesday: Partly sunny and warm. Highs in the lower 80s. Isolated showers or thunderstorms possible late, especially north of I-64.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy and mild. A few isolated showers possible early. Lows in the upper 50s north to mid-60s south.
Wednesday: Warm, humid, and breezy. Mostly dry through the day with highs in the upper 80s. Strong storms arrive Wednesday night.
