Severe thunderstorms are possible on the Fourth of July in some areas of central Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service.
Scattered storms are scheduled to begin on Wednesday afternoon and last until Friday. The NWS said stronger storms are capable of producing isolated damaging winds, torrential rain and intense lightning.
Meteorologists said that warm, humid air mass will be in effect on July 4th. Increasing cloud cover and rain chances will limit high temperatures somewhat.
Chances of rain are at 50% for Wednesday night and 90% for July 4, according to the NWS.
Forecasters say Thursday’s temperature could reach 88 degrees with a 90% chance of precipitation, forecasters say. Showers and thunderstorms are likely at night, with temperatures expected to drop to around 73 degrees.
Storm chances will persist into Friday, with temperatures expected to rise into the 90s, according to the NWS.
Most of Kentucky is featured in the NWS’ severe weather forecast for Thursday, with the northwest of the state at a slight risk of severe weather. O light risk zone implies that organized severe storms with varying levels of intensity are expected, according to meteorologists.
The central and western parts of the state are at marginal risk for severe weather, implying severe storms of limited organization and longevity, according to the NWS.
All of Kentucky is in the marginal risk category for Friday severe weather forecastsay meteorologists.
Heat returning to high levels
After a colder day on Monday, temperatures are expected to rise again to high levels on Tuesday, heading into the 4th of July. O High temperature for Tuesday it should reach 90 degrees, according to the NWS.
On Wednesday, the predicted high temperature is 92 degrees, while the predicted low for that night is 74 degrees. Chances of showers and thunderstorms increase to 50% after 8 p.m., with new amounts of rain between a tenth and a quarter of an inch.
Pleasant weather today, although noticeably warmer and more humid this afternoon. Hot and humid Wednesday with afternoon heat index values above 100 in many areas. Scattered thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday afternoon and evening. Unstable until Friday, dry weather this weekend. pic.twitter.com/ZFa8vfq33L
-NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) July 2, 2024