Strong storms expected across Kentucky late tonight into Wednesday morning
Damaging winds and isolated hail are possible as strong thunderstorms move through the Ohio Valley overnight
Warm And Muggy Weather Across Kentucky
It has been another warm and humid day across Central and Eastern Kentucky as temperatures climbed quickly back into the low to mid 80s this afternoon, with some locations expected to push into the upper 80s before the day is over.
Cloud cover hung around through much of the morning, but despite the clouds, the warm and muggy air mass in place has helped temperatures soar once again. We have already seen a few isolated showers and thunderstorms pop up across the area this afternoon as instability continues to build.
It is also feeling pretty muggy today as dewpoints are sitting in the mid to upper 60s combined with temperatures approaching 90 degrees are helping create a very unstable atmosphere across the Ohio Valley today.
Isolated Storms This Afternoon Before A Break This Evening
As we move through the rest of the afternoon, isolated showers and thunderstorms will remain possible across the region. These storms will be scattered in nature, meaning not everyone will see rainfall, but the storms that do form could bring heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning.
Forecast models continue to show a brief lull in activity later this evening before a more organized line of storms arrives overnight.
Most areas should stay dry for at least part of the evening hours before storm chances ramp up again late tonight.
Strong To Severe Storms Expected Late Tonight Into Wednesday
The main weather concern arrives late tonight into early Wednesday morning as a line of showers and thunderstorms develops ahead of an approaching cold front.
The strongest storms will likely develop west of Interstate 65 before gradually weakening as they move eastward across Central and Eastern Kentucky overnight. Even with some weakening expected, storms could still produce damaging wind gusts and isolated hail as they move through the area.
The primary severe weather threat with this system continues to be damaging straight-line winds, although a few stronger storm cores could also produce marginally severe hail. Some storms may also bring torrential rainfall and frequent lightning overnight.
Make sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight in case warnings are issued.
Storm Chances Continue Through Midweek
Rain chances are expected to continue into Wednesday as the cold front slowly stalls near the region.
Additional scattered showers and thunderstorms could redevelop Wednesday afternoon, especially across eastern parts of the viewing area. While widespread severe weather is not expected on Wednesday, a few stronger storms could still produce gusty winds and small hail.
Temperatures Wednesday will also cool down compared to the last several days, with highs expected to settle back into the upper 70s and lower 80s.
More Rain Chances Ahead For Memorial Day Weekend
The active weather pattern is expected to continue for several more days.
Thursday currently looks to be a little drier for much of the area, although southern Kentucky could still see an isolated shower or thunderstorm. Rain chances then ramp back up heading into Friday as another disturbance moves into the Ohio Valley bringing more widespread showers and storms.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day weekend, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms remain possible from Saturday through Monday as several weather disturbances move through the region. Forecast highs through the weekend are expected to remain in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
The good news is that the rainfall will continue helping improve drought conditions across Kentucky, with some locations potentially picking up several inches of rain over the next week.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36 Hour Forecast
Tuesday Night
Warm and humid with strong to severe thunderstorms developing late tonight into early Wednesday morning. Damaging winds and isolated hail possible. Lows in the upper 60s to low 70s.
Wednesday
Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue through the day with cooler temperatures. Highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy with lingering isolated showers possible early. Cooler overnight lows falling into the upper 50s and low 60s.
