Storms continue across Kentucky today before sunshine returns for the weekend

Flooding concerns linger through tonight as additional rounds of storms develop across Central and Southern Kentucky

Stormy Start to Thursday Across the Commonwealth

It was a noisy start to the day across Kentucky as a line of strong showers and thunderstorms swept through the region during the overnight and early morning hours. Many locations saw heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds as the line pushed south through Northern Kentucky and into Central Kentucky.

While the line has weakened somewhat compared to earlier this morning, showers and thunderstorms continue across parts of the region this afternoon. Even though the storms have become more disorganized, they are still capable of producing heavy downpours, dangerous lightning, and locally strong wind gusts.

Rainfall totals have already been impressive in some areas, with many communities receiving between 1 and 2 inches of rain, while localized totals have been even higher where storms have repeatedly moved over the same locations.

Additional Strong Storms Possible This Afternoon and Evening

The weather remains active as we head through the rest of Thursday. A slow-moving cold front has stalled across Kentucky, allowing additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms to develop and move across the area throughout the afternoon and evening hours.

The greatest concern will be across Central and Southern Kentucky where warm, humid air remains in place south of the main band of storms. As temperatures climb into the low and middle 80s, enough instability will develop to support additional thunderstorms capable of becoming strong.

Damaging wind gusts remain the primary severe weather threat this afternoon and evening. Some storms may also produce small hail, frequent lightning, and torrential rainfall.

Flooding Concerns Continue Through Tonight

With abundant moisture in place and several rounds of storms expected, flooding remains a significant concern through tonight.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through 2 AM Friday morning for locations mainly along and south of Interstate 64. The atmosphere remains loaded with moisture, and thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall in a short period of time.

Some storms may repeatedly move over the same areas, a process known as training, which can quickly lead to localized flooding and flash flooding concerns. Areas across south-central Kentucky appear most vulnerable to flooding issues later this afternoon and evening.

Anyone living in flood-prone areas should remain weather aware and never drive through flooded roadways.

Beautiful Weather Returns for Friday and Saturday

The good news is that this active weather pattern finally begins to move out of the region late tonight into early Friday morning.

Lingering showers may continue early Friday, but most of the area will see improving conditions throughout the day as drier air filters into Kentucky behind the departing cold front.

Friday is shaping up to be a fantastic day with mostly sunny skies, lower humidity, and afternoon temperatures in the low 80s. Saturday looks nearly identical, featuring sunshine, comfortable humidity levels, and highs in the low to middle 80s.

Rain Chances Return for Father’s Day and Early Next Week

The dry stretch will be short-lived as another weather system approaches the Ohio Valley late Saturday night into Sunday.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase across the region during the second half of Father’s Day and continue into Monday. While details regarding severe weather remain uncertain, the atmosphere will once again become moisture-rich, creating the potential for periods of heavy rainfall.

Current forecast trends suggest widespread rainfall totals could approach 1 to 1.5 inches by Monday night, so flooding concerns may need to be monitored once again as we head into next week.

Temperatures will remain seasonable through the period, with highs generally staying in the low to middle 80s.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Thursday: Numerous showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall. Some storms may become strong to severe. Highs in the low to mid 80s.

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms gradually diminish overnight. Flooding concerns continue, especially across south-central Kentucky. Lows in the mid 60s.

Friday: Becoming mostly sunny and much less humid. A beautiful end to the workweek with highs in the low 80s.