Strong-to-severe storm threat Wednesday evening
Strong-to-damaging wind gusts will be possible Wednesday evening
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – We’re starting your Wednesday with a damp, muggy feel across much of the area. Pockets of heavier downpours rolled through eastern and southern Kentucky earlier this morning, and we may continue to see some isolated to scattered showers or storms during the first part of the day. While not everyone will see rain early, all eyes are on what comes later today—and it has the potential to pack a punch.
A Level 2 out of 5 (Slight Risk) for severe storms is in place across central Kentucky, including the Lexington area. Meanwhile, the threat tapers to a Level 1 (Marginal Risk) as you move eastward across the foothills and into eastern Kentucky. Areas farther northwest toward Louisville and southern Indiana are in a Level 3 (Enhanced Risk) where the storms are expected to be stronger upon initial development.
What to Expect
A cluster or line of storms is likely to develop to our northwest this afternoon—likely over parts of Illinois and Indiana—as a cold front and upper-level energy sweep across the region. This line will then slide southeastward into central Kentucky during the evening hours. The arrival into the Lexington area is currently expected between 8 PM and 10 PM, weakening some as it pushes eastward through the night.
Damaging wind gusts will be the primary concern along this line, especially as storms bow out in segments. There’s a low-end risk for isolated hail and a brief rotating storm closer to the line’s origin—primarily northwest of our region—but the tornado threat remains low for the ABC 36 viewing area.
Before the storms arrive, it’ll be hot and muggy. Temperatures this afternoon will push into the mid to upper 80s, with dew points in the 70s making it feel even more uncomfortable. That sticky atmosphere will help fuel storms as they move in.
Into Tonight and Thursday
Storms may linger into the overnight hours, particularly across eastern Kentucky. While the severe risk diminishes after sunset, leftover boundaries and continued moisture could support scattered downpours through early Thursday morning.
A cold front will finally sweep through the region Thursday into Thursday night. That front will keep rain and storm chances in place for much of the day Thursday—especially across eastern Kentucky. A few strong storms can’t be ruled out, but widespread severe weather is not expected on Thursday.
Drier & Hotter Weather Ahead
Behind the front, Friday looks much quieter and slightly less humid with highs in the mid-80s under mostly sunny skies. Enjoy the brief break—because heat is building back in for the weekend.
By Sunday, temperatures may soar into the low 90s, and with dew points climbing again, heat index values could approach the upper 90s to near 100°. We’re entering a more classic summer pattern—hot, humid, and mostly dry—just in time for the official start of summer.
