Warming Up!

Discussion:

Temperatures across Warren County this afternoon reached the upper 80's as a strong upper level ridge continues to move in from the east. This strong ridge will be here to stay as dewpoints continue to rise and the humidity returns. These higher dewpoints have created enough instability to kick up some scattered showers and thunderstorms across southern Kentucky this afternoon. Thunderstorm activity remains relatively weak, with storms only producing a brief downpour and maybe a few rumbles of thunder. Otherwise partly cloudy skies can be expected for the remainder of the evening and into overnight. These scattered showers and thunderstorms should diminish with the loss of daytime heating. Low temperatures will fall into the lower 70s overnight.

12Z GFS model showing strong upper level ridge over Kentucky. Valid 18Z Monday (courtesy NOAA)

Winds from the southeast on Monday will usher in higher temperatures and dewpoints and this will set the stage for the weather this week. Afternoon highs will top out in the low 90's Monday and Tuesday with high temperatures possibly creeping into the middle 90's by Wednesday. A saturated ground over most of Kentucky will help limit temperatures from climbing much higher this week, but will allow for dewpoints to rise to around 70 degrees creating some very muggy weather. Heat indices could near 100 degrees by mid week! Low temperatures will remain fairly mild during this time, only falling in the lower to middle 70s. This ridge will also allow for mostly clear skies through Wednesday. A stray afternoon shower and thunderstorm can't be ruled out Monday and Tuesday, and isolated thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon as thunderstorm coverage increases.

Days at a Glance:

Sunday Night: Low - 71 Winds - SE 5 mph becoming calm overnight.
Precipitation - 30% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 p.m. Otherwise, mostly clear skies can be expected overnight. Precipitation totals - less than .10"

Monday: High - 91 Low - 73 Winds - SE 5 to 10 mph becoming calm overnight.
Precipitation - 20% chance of an isolated thunderstorm in the afternoon. Skies - Mostly Clear

Tuesday: High - 92 Low - 74 Winds - Calm wind becoming NE around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Precipitation - 10% An isolated thunderstorm in the afternoon is possible. Skies - Mostly Clear

Wednesday: High - 93 Low - 75 Winds - Light and variable.
Precipitation - 20% chance of isolated thunderstorms. Skies - Mostly Clear

Forecaster: Zack Leasor