Sunshine continues across Kentucky before heat and rain chances increase later this week
A Beautiful Start to Tuesday
It’s another beautiful morning across central Kentucky with plenty of sunshine helping us get the day started. High pressure remains in control of our weather, keeping conditions quiet and allowing for another pleasant summer day across much of the region.
As we head through the afternoon, expect abundant sunshine to continue with temperatures warming into the upper 80s, while a few locations may touch 90 degrees. Humidity will still be noticeable, but heat index values today should stay close to the actual air temperature, making it feel a bit more comfortable than what we’ll experience later this week.
Most communities will remain dry through the day. However, residents across far southern Kentucky, especially near the Tennessee border, and portions of eastern Kentucky could see an isolated shower or thunderstorm develop during the late afternoon or early evening. Any storm that forms will be slow-moving and short-lived, with most areas staying rain-free.
Quiet Weather Continues Tonight
After sunset, any isolated shower that develops will quickly fade as we lose the daytime heating.
Tonight will feature partly cloudy to mostly clear skies with overnight temperatures falling back into the upper 60s, making for another warm but comfortable July night. Areas that receive rainfall could see a little patchy fog develop by early Wednesday morning, but widespread visibility issues are not expected.
Warming Trend Continues Through Midweek
The quiet weather pattern sticks around through Wednesday as high pressure remains the dominant weather feature across the Ohio Valley.
Wednesday will be even warmer than today, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s under mostly sunny skies. Humidity will also begin increasing, allowing heat index values to approach 100 degrees during the afternoon.
While most of the viewing area stays dry, another isolated afternoon shower or thunderstorm can’t be ruled out across southern Kentucky. Like Tuesday, any storm that develops will be isolated, slow-moving, and capable of brief heavy rain and gusty winds before dissipating after sunset.
Heat and Humidity Build Later This Week
As we head toward Thursday and Friday, summer heat becomes more noticeable across Kentucky.
Afternoon highs will climb into the lower 90s, while dew points rise into the 70s, pushing heat index values into the 100 to 103 degree range across much of the area. If you have outdoor plans later this week, remember to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
At the same time, rain chances will gradually increase. Thursday brings the chance for a few isolated afternoon thunderstorms, while Friday currently looks to offer the highest chance for more widespread showers and thunderstorms. With plenty of moisture in place, any storms that develop could produce locally heavy rainfall.
Weekend Brings More Typical Summer Weather
Looking ahead to the weekend, the weather pattern becomes more typical for mid-July.
Daily chances for afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms return Saturday and continue into early next week as daytime heating combines with plenty of moisture in the atmosphere. While it won’t rain all day, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans.
Temperatures will remain warm, generally in the upper 80s to lower 90s, before gradually easing back toward the mid-80s early next week.
ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm with highs in the upper 80s. Most locations stay dry, though an isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible across southern Kentucky late this afternoon and evening.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy and warm with overnight lows in the upper 60s. Any isolated evening showers quickly come to an end.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, warmer, and more humid. Afternoon highs reach the upper 80s to lower 90s. An isolated afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm remains possible across southern Kentucky, while most of the area stays dry.
