Very spring-like to close out March

The unseasonably warm air will stick around with a few shower and storm chances

1 hour ago

T.G. Shuck,

After a delightful final weekend of March across Central and Eastern Kentucky with plenty of sunshine both days and moderating temperatures on Sunday, it was a breezy and mild start to the week as we hit the home stretch for the month of March. A breezy southwest wind with gusts 20 to 30 miles per hour helped push additional mild air into the region. The southwest flow did bring up some moisture so we saw some cloudiness during the morning hours and even a few light passing showers and/or sprinkles in a few spots. With more of a mix of clouds and sunshine through the afternoon hours, highs climbed back into the low to mid-70s and this upward trend will continue as we close out March and welcome April over the next few days.

It should feel more like early summer instead of the final day of March Tuesday as the persistent southwest gusty winds keep temperatures well above average for this time of year. A frontal boundary will be sitting well to our north so we should be in a good position to see another dry day across the commonwealth despite a little more available moisture around thanks to the southwest flow bringing moisture up from the Gulf. Afternoon highs should run all the way back into the upper 70s and low-80s with temperatures potentially reaching record high levels in a few locations so plan on spending some time outdoors if you can.

The frontal boundary off to our north will drop a little closer to the commonwealth as we begin April on Wednesday so our chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms will be back in the picture (no joke for April Fool’s Day). You’ll need the rain gear from time to time as occasional rain and storms will be possible to kick off the new month. With the front remaining to our north, temperatures will stay on the mild to warm side with afternoon highs still expected to climb into the upper 70s despite the clouds and rain around. The front should push back to the north as a warm front on Thursday as a wave of low pressure develops in the Central Plains. This should drop our showers and storm chances back to more isolated and allow for more summer warmth in early April as afternoon highs push back into the low-80s.

Look ahead toward Good Friday and Easter weekend, our weather will continue to be unseasonably warm and unsettled. Another wave of energy will slide through the region on Friday so look for an uptick in showers and thunderstorms once again. Unfortunately it could be a little wet for the opening of the spring meet at Keeneland on Friday so plan accordingly if you are heading out there. Temperatures will remain well above average with highs into the upper 70s. Unfortunately we may see more of the same on Saturday as the main surface cold front makes a run at the Ohio Valley from the west. With plenty of outdoor activities planned including Bluegrass Stakes Day at Keeneland, you’ll need to be prepared for some wet weather on occasion. The front should move through Saturday night and into Easter Sunday so more wet weather should be on the table. Cooler air will begin to filter in on Easter Sunday so do look for a cooler day compared to what we’ll see much of the week with afternoon highs backing down into the upper 50s and the rain tapering off as the day wears on. We should be back to dry conditions early next week with highs right around average for early April.