Temperatures drop back into the 30s to close out the week
Central and Eastern Kentucky have enjoyed a stretch of unseasonably mild weather over the past couple of days, a welcome break from the deep freeze earlier in the week, and Thursday was no exception. As a cold front pushed into the Ohio Valley, southerly winds strengthened, with gusts topping 30 miles per hour at times.
Those winds helped drive afternoon highs well into the 50s once again, despite clouds and scattered showers across the region. As the main surface cold front moves through Thursday evening, gusty showers and a few rumbles of thunder will bring brief heavy downpours and signal major changes heading into the end of the week.
A blast of colder air will greet anyone heading out early Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to fall into the mid to upper 20s, and with brisk west to northwest winds, “feels-like” temperatures could dip into the upper single digits and low teens for a time.
Expect a blustery and unseasonably cold day overall, with a few flurries or snow showers possible in Eastern Kentucky. Afternoon highs will struggle to rebound, topping out only in the low to mid-30s. Be sure to bundle up as the cold air settles back in.
The good news is a quick rebound in temperatures as the fall season wraps up on Saturday. High pressure will move through and slide east, allowing winds to shift to the southwest. With plenty of sunshine and a steady breeze, afternoon highs will climb back into the low 50s, making it a pleasant day for last-minute holiday shopping or other plans.
The Winter Solstice arrives at 10:03 a.m. Sunday. A weak boundary moving through early in the day will keep things a bit cooler. There may be just enough moisture for a rain or snow shower Saturday night, but Sunday looks mainly dry, with highs easing back into the low to mid-40s.
Looking ahead to Christmas week, temperatures will trend upward once again as another round of unseasonably mild air arrives just in time for the holiday. Monday will start on the cooler side, with highs in the 40s as a weak system approaches from the west. That system could bring a few showers into Tuesday, with additional isolated rain chances possible on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
It does not appear to be a washout. The bigger story will be the warming trend, with highs reaching the mid to upper 50s on Christmas Eve and potentially touching 60 degrees on Christmas Day. A White Christmas does not appear likely this year.
36-Hour Forecast:
Thursday Night: Windy with rain ending, turning much colder late. Lows in the mid to upper 20s. Wind: West 15–20 mph.
Friday: Blustery and cold, a few flakes possible in the east. Highs in the low 30s. Wind: Northwest 10–20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear with temperatures rising late. Lows in the mid 20s. Wind: South 5–10 mph.
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