Strong storm threat on Wednesday kicks off an active weather pattern
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Happy Wednesday! I hope you were able to enjoy the summer-like weather pattern we’ve experienced since the weekend. That will be coming to an end today as strong-to-severe storms return to the forecast. A few showers and storms will be possible early in the day, but the severe threat won’t increase until the late afternoon and evening hours before the storms weaken overnight. Damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail are the primary severe threats. There is a Level 2 Severe Risk out for most of the ABC 36 viewing area, outside of southern and southeastern Kentucky where there is a Level 1 Severe Risk. Heavy downpours are also possible, particularly over southern Kentucky. These downpours could result in localized flash flooding in low-lying and flood prone areas.
Off and on rain and storms will continue through your Memorial Day weekend. Showers and storms are likely Thursday into Friday, with a few stronger storms possible on Thursday in southern Kentucky. There is a heavy rain risk with some of the storms on Friday as well. It won’t be raining all day either Thursday or Friday, but still expect rain at times throughout the day. Saturday will likely be one of the drier days of the weekend, with just an isolated chance of a few showers and storms.
Rain and strong storm chances ramp up once again on Sunday. There is already a severe threat out for most of Kentucky for Sunday, we saw this issued yesterday. A rare 30% severe risk was added in the morning update for western Kentucky as well. All “modes” or types of severe weather are possible. This includes damaging wind gusts, large hail, and even the risk of a few tornadoes. On top of the severe weather threat, there will be a flash flooding risk as well. Sunday is definitely a day you will need to stay “Weather Aware”, especially if you are traveling to an area with a higher risk over the weekend. Review your severe weather plan and make sure you have a sturdy and well-manufactured building to quickly get to if severe weather is heading your way.
Isolated rain and storm chances continue into Memorial Day on Monday, but the day is trending drier. We will see one more chance of rain and storms late Monday into Tuesday before we finally end the active weather pattern. Drier conditions and seasonably cooler air will arrive to end the month of May and as we head into the first week of June.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.
ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
WEDNESDAY: Few showers early, with strong storms possible later in the day. Highs in the mid-80s.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Scattered showers and storms early before weakening overnight. Lows in the 60s.
THURSDAY: Showers and storms likely, a few strong storms in southern Kentucky. Highs in the 70s.
