Rain, bitter cold and light snow? See latest Thanksgiving week forecast for central KY
Lexington and central Kentucky residents can expect a mix of rain, potential snow and much colder temperatures in the coming days.
While roughly average temperatures are expected for Thanksgiving Day in Lexington, colder weather will follow, Evan Webb, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service Louisville office, said in a Nov. 25 interview with the Herald-Leader.
“Thanksgiving looks like it could be a little bit wet, we’ve got around a 40% to 50% chance of some light rain on Thanksgiving Day,” Webb said.
The NWS forecasts Thanksgiving Day will have a high temperature around 44 degrees Fahrenheit with a low near 28 in Lexington. The chances of rain will peak overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, Webb said, with chilly, overcast and breezy conditions expected for the holiday.
As the Thanksgiving weather system moves out, Black Friday will cool down, according to the forecast. Friday’s expected temperatures range from 20 to 37 degrees, which is about 5 to 7 degrees below average.
“This weekend looks even colder,” Webb said. “We’re going to have some of the coldest air of the season so far.”
Webb said the weekend’s temperatures are forecast to be around 10 to 15 degrees colder than average, with anticipated lows around 20 and highs in the 30s, and the unseasonably cold weather is expected to continue into early December.
“There is a chance for a little bit of light snow over the weekend,” Webb said.
Saturday has a 30% chance of light snow, Webb said, though it’s too early to predict exact accumulations at this time. Lexington saw its first snow of the season Nov. 21, with half an inch of accumulation reported. The city’s average first measurable snowfall, or at least 0.1 inch of accumulation, is Nov. 29.
Forecasters expect Sunday will be cold in Fayette County, and temperatures may not exceed 32 degrees all day, which could potentially affect road safety depending on how much snow falls, if any.
Winter driving safety tips
Webb described several best practices to safely navigate wintry road conditions:
Check the forecast and be aware of when snow and cold temperatures are expected.
When driving, slow down and allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
Accelerate and brake gently.
Before heading out, check your tire tread and air pressure and perform any needed maintenance.
If a winter storm is on the horizon, consider packing a supply kit with blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, first aid kit, water and nonperishable food.
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