From frigid temps to flash freeze, what Kentuckians can expect from Christmas weather
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Wednesday warning of a bitterly cold holiday weekend and dangerous road conditions this week across Kentucky.
Beginning Thursday night, rain is expected to change to snow across the state. Snowfall accumulations are expected to be “minor,” according to the NWS, but they will be joined by a flash freeze in the single digits.
That means bad travel conditions that will continue into Friday, the special weather statement said.
Wind gusts could reach more than 40 miles per hour, resulting in subzero wind chills of minus 10 to minus 20 degrees.
In a press conference Gov. Andy Beshear called Wednesday, he announced a state of emergency, and several disaster management officials warned of “whiteout” conditions on the roads Thursday.
Even after the winds die down Friday, the NWS said harsh winter weather will continue through the holiday weekend, with temperatures in the single digits and teens and wind chills below zero at times. Conditions could begin to improve Sunday night and Monday.
The flash freeze forecasters are predicting overnight Thursday will prompt road crews and salt trucks to respond in full force.
A good chance of precipitation during the day Friday means “anything that transportation crews do to clear the roads is going to be less effective,” said Ron Steve, a meteorologist with the NWS in Louisville, which includes Lexington in its coverage area. Steve spoke to the Herald-Leader by phone Tuesday.
Harsh wind chills will also be a hazard for anyone who finds themselves outdoors for extended periods from Thursday night through the holiday weekend. Wind chill values may drop as low as -25 degrees, which the NWS notes can lead to frostbite in as little as 15 minutes outdoors.
Here’s what forecasters say to expect this holiday weekend, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or traveling Kentucky’s roads.
Forecasters warn of ‘nasty winter weather’ this holiday weekend
For the Lexington area, and as of Wednesday morning, the NWS was projecting highs near 46 degrees and sunny conditions Wednesday, followed by a 40% chance of rain late Wednesday night with lows around 35 degrees.
Scattered showers will continue to be likely throughout the day Thursday, with the chance of precipitation at 40%. Highs will hover at about 47 degrees.
Rain continues to be a possibility before the early morning hours Friday, after which snow becomes more likely with lows near 0 degrees. The chance of precipitation is forecast at 90%, with new snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
It’s this time frame WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey warns could be particularly treacherous for travelers.
In his forecast published online at the Kentucky Weather Center, Bailey projected temperatures to drop 30 to 40 degrees in the span of one hour overnight Thursday.
“Given everything will be wet before this happens, a massive flash freeze will take place. Everything ices up fast,” Bailey wrote Tuesday.
A round of heavy snow will turn travel conditions “treacherous very quickly” in just a few hours, Bailey wrote, adding wind gusts of 40 miles per hour are likely.
Temperatures are expected to drop below zero degrees by Friday morning for parts of Central and Western Kentucky. Slightly warmer temperatures, though not by much, are expected Friday morning for Eastern Kentucky.
Wind chills could drop as low as -25 degrees or even -30 degrees in Northern Kentucky.
After a brief break from the snow Friday morning, another round starts up during the afternoon, when Bailey warns “travel conditions will be ugly.”
The snow should let up Friday night, Bailey writes, but travel conditions are still poor. Temperatures remain harsh, dipping to zero degrees or below, and wind chills could linger between -10 to -20 degrees.
For Christmas Eve, expect flurries or a snow shower with gusty winds and temperatures topping out in the single digits or teens. Wind chills are likely to remain between -5 to -15 degrees.
On Christmas Day, there’s a smaller chance for flurries and warming temperatures in the mid-teens to low 20s, though wind chills will continue to be harsh, between -10 to 5 degrees.
What’s more, Bailey warns another round of snow could be possible Monday and Tuesday of next week, meaning those hoping for a white Christmas may get more than they bargained for.
Do you have a question about weather in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published December 20, 2022 at 2:38 PM.