Upper level low keeps showers around into the mid-week

Tuesday brought another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms across Central and Eastern Kentucky, all thanks to a stubborn upper-level low spinning right over the region. Most of the rain activity ramped up during the afternoon with a few localized downpours mixed in with a few stronger storms. Even with the clouds and occasional rain, it was still a warm and seasonable day with highs topping out in the mid-70s. It’s a familiar pattern we’ve seen for several days now—but some changes are finally coming.

Upper Low Moves On, Leading to Drier, Warmer Days

On Wednesday, that pesky upper-level low will finally start pulling away to the northeast. We’ll still be on the backside of the system, which means a few lingering showers and storms are possible—especially across the eastern half of the state. That said, coverage should be more scattered than what we’ve seen recently and many spots could stay dry for much or even all of the day. We’ll also start to warm up a bit mor, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 70s.

Feeling Like Summer by Thursday

If you’ve been waiting for a taste of summer, Thursday will deliver. A warm front lifting through the region will help send temperatures soaring into the mid-80s under mostly sunny skies. It’ll also feel a bit more humid giving the air that classic summer feel. While an isolated pop-up storm can’t be ruled out in the afternoon, most of the region will stay dry. In fact, a layer of warmer air aloft (a “cap”) could suppress storm development altogether. The best chances for any thunderstorms Thursday evening look to stay just to our west—but we’ll be watching.

Severe Storm Potential on Friday

Friday remains a day to keep a close eye on. A cold front approaching from the northwest could bring a round of strong to potentially severe storms late in the day and into the evening. The Storm Prediction Center already has much of Kentucky highlighted in an elevated risk area, which includes threats of damaging winds, hail, and even an isolated tornado. Before storms roll in it will be another warm and muggy day with highs in the mid-80s.

Nice Weekend, But Keep an Eye to the Sky

As that front sags just to our southwest over the weekend, storm chances appear to lessen a bit. While an isolated shower or storm can’t be ruled out either day, most of the weekend looks dry with a good dose of sunshine and highs in the upper 70s to near 80. If you’ve got outdoor plans, you should be in good shape—just keep a radar app handy, especially in the afternoons.