‘Oppressive’ heat, humidity arrive in KY this weekend. How long will it last?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The forecast shows Kentucky temperatures could reach 94°F with the heat index over 100°F.
- National Weather Service warns of high heat risk through June 25 in Ohio Valley.
- Officials urge hydration, shade breaks, and caution to prevent heat-related illness.
Friday marks the official start of summer, and according to the National Weather Service meteorologist Ron Steve, Kentuckians will start feeling it by the end of this week and early next.
“The warm weather was certainly late to the party,” Steve told the Herald-Leader in a call Wednesday, reflecting on a cool and wet May in Kentucky. “It’s definitely arriving.”
According to The Weather Prediction Center, the hottest temperatures of the season are expected to begin in the Great Plains Friday before expanding into the Midwest and Great Lakes this weekend.
The heat will then arrive and settle in the Ohio Valley, and much of the East Coast, by the late weekend through some of next week. The Weather Prediction Center warns the Ohio Valley is one of the at-risk areas for dangerous heat next week, including a greater than 60% chance of extreme heat throughout the region by Wednesday, June 25.
The sudden spike in temperatures could pose dangers for certain groups, like those outdoors, including construction workers and the unhoused. Given this is the first real heat wave of the year, many people may not be acclimatized yet, Steve warned.
The forecasted high humidity isn’t expected to help either, Steve added. Sweating becomes much less effective at cooling the body down when the air is saturated with moisture.
“At the very least, it’s going to feel muggy. At times, it could feel oppressive,” Steve said.
The humidity could send feels-like temperatures into the triple digits, “especially as you get into Monday and Tuesday,” Steve added.
Here’s what to expect from the forecast this weekend and how you can stay safe if you plan to be outdoors this weekend.
What can Kentuckians can expect from the forecast
The National Weather Service expects rising temperatures to arrive in Lexington by Saturday, with the high reaching about 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures will continue rising throughout the weekend, with a high of about 93 degrees Sunday. By the start of the work week, it will be 94 degrees and climb to 95 by Tuesday. Temperature highs are expected to linger around that mark through to Thursday.
To make matters worse, the high humidity will likely make it feel even hotter outside, with Steve warning feels-like temperatures will reach 100-plus degrees.
Much of the eastern U.S. will likely be in the same boat, with one Weather Channel forecaster warning of a persistent “heat dome” over the region.
How to stay safe outside
When there’s both high heat and humidity, Steve warns people have to be more deliberate about keeping themselves cool. This is because sweat cannot evaporate from the human body as efficiently, diminishing its cooling effect as the body heats up.
This can cause heat stress, which in turn can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and exhaustion.
It’s especially important to keep this in mind if you’re working or exercising outside under these conditions, Steve said.
“If you’re going to spend a lot of time outside, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Give yourself the opportunity to take breaks in the shade,” Steve said.
Some ways to handle the heat include:
Stay hydrated with water and clear fluids. Don’t rely on caffeinated drinks like coffee or energy drinks.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Trapping heat near your body can contribute to heat-related illnesses.
Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as you can. Even if you’re working outdoors, try to get a break inside for a few minutes to cool off.
If you’re working outside, go slow and allow your body time to acclimatize to the heat. Pair up with a buddy and watch out for each other.
Know the signs of heat illness. If you’re getting cramps, headaches, dizziness or sweating excessively, seek medical care.
“If you’re going to be outside in the heat, be smart about it,” Steve added.
Do you have a question about the weather in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Send us an email at ask@herald-leader.com or fill out our Know Your Kentucky form.
This story was originally published June 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.