Boom! A stormy 4th of July, with plenty of heavy rain and high temps, headed our way
Rain showers and thunderstorms are likely on the Fourth of July in some areas of Central Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologists said in the area forecast discussion that predicted conditions will result in increasing rain and thunderstorm chances Thursday morning. There is a possibility of a break from the storms in the afternoon if the storms evolve east across the northern half of the region.
Isolated or scattered storms are expected to redevelop later in the day. Meteorologists don’t expect the rain to be present the entire day and added the cloud cover will help limit high temperatures.
The chance for precipitation Thursday is 80%, according to the NWS. The predicted high temperature is 89 degrees while the predicted low temperature is 74 degrees.
The storms are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon and last through Friday. The NWS said stronger storms capable of producing gusty winds and torrential rainfall. Additional rain showers overnight could result in localized flooding.
All of Kentucky is featured in the NWS’ severe weather outlook for Wednesday, with the northwestern parts of the state under slight risk for severe weather. The slight risk zone implies organized severe thunderstorms with varying levels of intensity are expected, according to meteorologists.
The central and western parts of the state, including Lexington are under a marginal risk for severe weather, which implies severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, according to the NWS.
All of Kentucky is under the marginal risk category for Thursday severe weather outlook, forecasters say.
More scattered storms are possible Thursday night before increased rain chances Friday, meteorologists said. The rain is expected to end Friday night in the wake of a cold front.
Heat rising back to high levels
After cooler weather to start the week, temperatures have risen back up to high levels Wednesday heading into the Fourth of July. Lexington Emergency Management has implemented phase one of the city’s heat plan effective from Wednesday morning through Friday evening.
On Wednesday the predicted high temperature is 94 degrees with heat index values as high as 101. There is a 60% chance of rain in the evening, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch.
Temperatures will remain hot and humid on Thursday, according to the NWS. On Friday the predicted high temperature is 89 degrees while the predicted low temperature is 68 degrees with an 80% chance of precipitation.
This story was originally published July 2, 2024 at 7:48 AM.
