New Year’s Eve forecast: Windy, rainy day before calmer, colder evening
New Year’s Eve weather conditions are expected to be rainy and windy before a calmer but chillier evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain chances are at 70% for Tuesday with showers likely for the day, according to the NWS’ seven-day forecast for Lexington. Wind speeds are expected to be between 17-20 mph with peak gusts up to 40 mph.
The NWS has issued a wind advisory for most of Kentucky, including Fayette County. The advisory is expected to be in place until 6 p.m., and forecasters warned unsecured objects could be blown around or a few power outages could occur.
NWS forecasters said the greatest chance for wind gusts should occur between sunrise and midday. Wind gusts of 40 mph are still possible for the early evening hours.
“(We) debated on whether to let the advisory go by early afternoon, but some data supports lingering potential for 40 mph into the early evening so decided to prolong it,” NWS forecasters said in the discussion section of the NWS website. “If it isn’t materializing, it may have to be cancelled early.”
The weather is expected to be much more pleasant in the evening albeit much colder, according to the NWS. Projected temperatures in the evening are between 29-33 degrees Fahrenheit.
The NWS’ seven-day forecast for Lexington puts rain chances in the evening at 60% with rain chances likely before 1 a.m.
Lexington’s New Year’s Eve party has been moved indoors due to expected inclement weather. The free event will now take place at the Central Bank Center beginning at 5 p.m. for kids.
