Summerlike warmth builds alongside storm chances this weekend
Cool mornings give way to a warmer finish to the week
High pressure remains in control to wrap up the workweek, keeping skies mostly clear and conditions comfortable.
Afternoons stay pleasant, with highs generally ranging from the mid 60s to low 70s at first before temperatures begin climbing again Friday. Overnight lows dip into the 40s under calm winds and clear skies, making for cool and refreshing mornings across the Bluegrass State.
By Friday afternoon, warmer air starts pushing back into the Ohio Valley. A weak disturbance may spark a few isolated light showers, mainly north of Interstate 64, but many communities will stay dry.
Temperatures respond quickly, climbing into the 70s and low 80s by the end of the day.
Storm chances return Saturday as temperatures climb
Saturday brings a much different feel as humidity increases and southerly winds pull warmer air into Kentucky.
High temperatures surge well into the 80s, and scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop at times through the day. The storms do not appear especially organized right now, but some could still bring brief heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning.
Not everyone will see rain, and there will still be dry periods mixed in throughout the day.
Near-record heat possible Sunday into next week
Once the weekend storms move out, the heat really begins to build.
Sunday is shaping up to be the hottest day so far this year for many areas, with highs reaching the upper 80s and low 90s under a sunnier sky. Warm and humid conditions continue into early next week as a strong southerly flow keeps summerlike air locked in place across the region.
Several locations could challenge record highs by Monday and Tuesday.
More storms likely by the middle of next week
The next stronger weather system begins approaching from the west early next week, bringing increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms by Monday night into Tuesday and Wednesday.
Forecast details are still coming into focus, but the setup looks favorable for multiple rounds of rain and storms as a cold front slowly approaches the Ohio Valley.
