Why is it so darn hot in central Kentucky? Here’s what we know about the sticky weather

With temperatures in the high 90s, you may be wondering why it’s so hot outside. If you’re living in Lexington, you can expect high temperatures for the next few days.

Kyle Wilkins, a meteorologist with National Weather Service Louisville, said this pattern of heat is “going to stay in place” until a cold front moves in Friday. It could bring some light precipitation early in the day.

“It is going to change winds to the north (and) help dry out, lower the dew points, which will make it feel more comfortable,” Wilkins said.

Overall temperatures will drop a little, but not a lot, Wilkins continued. Temperatures will likely still be in the low to mid 90s Friday and then get into the low to mid 80s Saturday in Lexington.

Wilkins said as quickly as the relief comes, it will leave as temperatures start to rise once again due to a surface high pressure. He said temperatures will increase a few degrees Sunday and by the first part of next week, temperatures will approach the high 90s once more.

For now, it looks like temperatures will be in the low to mid 90s Monday, June 20 and will likely be in the upper 90s and possibly reach 100 degrees Tuesday, June 21, but Wilkins said temperatures could change considering it’s a week out.

What’s the reason behind the heat now?

Wilkins said the presence of high pressure over the southeast U.S. is keeping a south wind over central Kentucky, which is pushing in a lot of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and raising dew points, including some that have been “really uncommon.”

He said this is what’s causing temperatures “to feel sticky.”

Despite having light rainfall and sporadic cloud cover the past few days, there’s been no overall precipitation. With widespread and clear skies on the forecast, there’s heating coming from the sunshine.

“So with the dry conditions (and) the south winds, just the overall pattern is conducive to raising temperatures,” Wilkins said. “The drier we become, the higher the temperatures generally go.”

The high moisture in the atmosphere due to “crazy high” dew points makes it feel “miserable,” Wilkins noted. “It really makes the heat feel that much worse.”

When it’s humid, Wilkins said even sweating won’t cool you as much because you stay wet and get soaked without having evaporative cooling happening.

Is Kentucky’s heat record-breaking?

Despite things feeling like a “miserable, hot, sticky mess,” Wilkins said temperatures are “on the upper-end of normal.”

“Some records are being tied here today and tomorrow. Some areas will likely probably break a record by a degree or two,” Wilkins said. “So, it’s on the higher end of normal, but it is the middle of summer. I don’t think it’s crazy outside of normal.”

Wilkins said temperatures are currently “on the higher end of history,” but temperatures like this have been seen before.

“Over the years, you can see that you definitely have these hot periods during this time of year, but it’s not every year it’s going to be this warm either,” Wilkins said.

How to prepare for the heat

Wilkins recommended drinking plenty of fluids to combat the heat.

He said “it doesn’t take long” for temperatures in parked vehicles to quickly become extremely dangerous and recommended people check for their children before leaving their cars.

“Make sure (you) don’t leave pets in cars. Don’t leave kids in cars,” Wilkins said.

Additionally, Wilkins said the humidity within the air makes it hotter outside and to be aware when completing normal tasks like mowing the yard.

“Just know that or expect that you’re going to feel worse, and it’s going to be harder to do normal, basic tasks,” Wilkins said. “Just be aware and plan for it because it’s going to impact you worse than normal.”

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