Lexington could break a record temperature this week as heat wave continues
Possible record-high temperatures and humidity will continue to sweep across Kentucky this week, with a possible decrease nearing the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service and local meteorologists.
The weather forecast for Monday includes mostly sunny skies, a slight chance of thunderstorms and high temperature of 94 degrees. Later in the week, the heat wave continues with a forecast that calls for a high of 97 on Thursday and Friday.
The highest recorded temperature according to the NWS in Lexington on June 17 is 99 degrees. For June 20, the record is 100 but there’s a higher possibility of breaking a temperature record on Friday — the highest recorded temperature on June 21 is 97 degrees, set in 1988.
The highest recorded temperature ever in Lexington was recorded in 1936 with a high of 104 degrees.
There is a possibility for scattered showers for Monday, according to WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey’s weather blog.
“The storms aren’t widespread, but they will be loud and may cause some issues for areas seeing them,” Bailey said.
High temperatures and heat index will continue throughout the week, with Tuesday and Wednesday having the lowest forecasted highs of the week at 93 degrees.
Bailey says relief could be on the way. A cold front will try to approach early next week, cooling down temperatures and bringing more rain showers to Kentucky.
Lexington opens cooling stations
The Lexington Division of Emergency Management has issued a Phase I Heat Alert that will run Monday through Saturday evening. The alert ensures there are emergency plans in place for the extreme temperatures.
Community centers, Including: Dunbar, Kenwick, Castlewood and Tates Creek are open into the early evening and are available as cooling stations, according to a release from the city.
“Under the alert, people experiencing homelessness may ride LexTran to cooling stations free of charge,” the press release said.
HopeMobile, Lexington Street Outreach and Compassionate Caravan will be distributing water throughout the community, according to the press release.
This story was originally published June 17, 2024 at 7:57 AM.
