Warm and Stormy Weekend Ahead in the Bluegrass

Scattered Thunderstorms Return with a Summer Heat Boost by Early Next Week

A Dry Start to Friday, but Storms Return by Afternoon
We kicked off our Friday on a quiet note across Central and Eastern Kentucky, with mostly clear skies and a beautiful sunrise. Expect that tranquil weather to stick around through the morning, although a few passing clouds may drift by from time to time. By the afternoon, the summer heat makes a strong return as temperatures climb into the low 90s. With all that warmth and humidity in place, a few isolated showers and storms are likely to pop up, especially during the late afternoon and early evening. These won’t be widespread, but a quick downpour, gusty wind, or lightning can’t be ruled out. Once we lose the daytime heating, storm chances quickly drop off, leaving us with mostly clear skies and mild temperatures in the low 70s for Friday night.

Scattered Storms Become a Bit More Likely This Weekend
Saturday brings more of that typical July pattern—hot, humid, and scattered storm chances during the second half of the day. Highs will once again reach the low 90s, and while many of us will stay dry for long stretches of the day, a few hit-or-miss storms could interrupt outdoor plans, especially later in the day. Sunday, however, looks to be the most active of the weekend as a cold front approaches from the northwest. Rain and storms will be a bit more widespread Sunday afternoon and evening, with temperatures topping out in the upper 80s. While no organized severe weather is expected, a few of these storms could drop heavy rain and produce gusty winds—so keep the ABC 36 Storm Team App handy just in case.

Looking Ahead: Hotter and Drier Next Week
After the front pushes through, we’ll still see some lingering shower and storm chances on Monday, mainly across the southern and eastern portions of the area. Temperatures will be slightly cooler to start the week, hovering around the upper 80s. But as we head into Tuesday and Wednesday, signs point to a more summerlike stretch—with hotter and drier weather returning. Highs should climb back into the low 90s, and while there might be a storm chance or two by midweek, the heat and humidity will be the main stories heading into the middle of the month.