Warm and windy Friday ahead of strong weekend storms
Temperatures climb into the upper 70s and low 80s Friday ahead of the weekend storm threat
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A warm and gusty Friday is ahead as strong southerly winds take hold across the region. Expect afternoon highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, making for a near-record warm day across central and eastern Kentucky. While most of the area will stay dry, a few pop-up showers and storms could develop during the afternoon, though coverage will be minimal. The bigger story will be the wind, with gusts reaching 40+ mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect from late this afternoon through Saturday evening.
Severe Weather Threat Increases into Saturday
A potent storm system will bring multiple rounds of storms late tonight into Saturday night. The first wave arrives after midnight into early Saturday morning, with strong winds and the potential for isolated severe storms, mainly west of I-65. Damaging wind gusts and even a brief spin-up tornado cannot be ruled out in this first round, especially in areas west of Lexington.
Saturday remains an ABC 36 Storm Team Weather IMPACT Day, with the entire region under a Level 2 out of 5 (Slight Risk) for severe weather, while areas south of Lake Cumberland are in a Level 3 (Enhanced Risk). A second round of storms is expected to develop Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing a more widespread severe threat. All modes of severe weather are possible, with damaging winds as the primary threat, large hail possible, and a lower but still notable tornado threat. The highest tornado risk remains near and south of Lake Cumberland into Tennessee, where instability will be greatest.
A key factor in how Saturday afternoon’s storms evolve will be how much the atmosphere can recover after the morning storms move through. If we see enough sunshine and warming, additional severe storms will develop and pose a higher threat. Stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Concerns
Beyond the severe threat, 1-3” of rain is likely across central and eastern Kentucky, with locally higher amounts of 2-4” possible, especially in south-central Kentucky. Given the heavy rainfall potential, localized flash flooding could develop by Saturday evening and overnight.
Weekend Changes: Cooler Air Arrives
As this storm system exits, Sunday will bring cooler and drier conditions, with highs dropping back into the 50s. The trend continues into St. Patrick’s Day on Monday, with morning lows in the 30s and highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Key Takeaways:
- ABC 36 Storm Team Weather IMPACT Day Friday Night – Saturday Night
- Severe storms possible late Friday night and again Saturday afternoon/evening
- Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are the main threats
- 1-3” of rain expected, with localized 2-4” totals possible, increasing flood risk
- Much cooler temperatures return Sunday into Monday
