Warm and humid conditions continue ahead of storm chances to end the week

Isolated showers and storms today ahead of a higher chance of storms on Friday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – We’re holding onto the warm and muggy pattern for your Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky. While the day starts dry for many, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop later this afternoon and evening. Coverage won’t be widespread, but a few storms could become strong, especially north and west of Lexington—including along and north of I-64 and over into the mountains of far southeastern Kentucky.

Most of today’s activity will be driven by daytime heating and weak upper-level energy riding in from the west. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a Level 1 out of 5 low-end severe weather risk—mainly west of I-75 and north of I-64, where isolated strong wind gusts or small hail can’t be ruled out. However, widespread severe weather is not expected today.

Severe Storm Threat Friday

Friday brings a better chance for storms as a weak front stalls out across the Ohio Valley and waves of energy ride along it. Much of our region is under a Level 2 out of 5 “Slight Risk” from the SPC, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.

Forecast models continue to suggest an organized cluster of storms could swing in from the west during peak heating Friday afternoon and evening. The atmosphere will be primed with plenty of moisture and instability, meaning any storm that develops could bring damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and possibly some hail.

This system has the potential to bring repeated rounds of rain through Saturday, so localized flooding may become a concern in spots, especially where storms train over the same areas.

Weekend Outlook

Shower and storm chances continue into Saturday, although coverage will likely be scattered. With the front slowly weakening and slipping south, we may start to dry out late Sunday. Highs will back off slightly, generally in the upper 70s to low 80s this weekend, with overnight lows in the 60s.

Looking Ahead at Next Week

Early next week, another front approaches from the northwest. Rain chances return by Monday, followed by a push of slightly less humid and more comfortable air as we head into Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs will still be seasonable in the lower 80s, but the drop in humidity will be noticeable behind the front.