Is KY seeing record December snowfall? See totals for Lexington, Louisville, more
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- December snow totals in Lexington and Louisville rank among top historical records
- Lexington recorded about 5.6 inches so far, exceeding its 1.9-inch December average
- NWS predicts limited new snow and no accumulation as surfaces stay warm
We’re only halfway through December, but the snow totals so far this month are among some of the highest in recorded Lexington history.
About 5.6 inches of snow have fallen in the city this month, according to the National Weather Service. That total is well above the monthly average of 1.9 inches and only the third time this century Lexington has received more than 5 inches of snow.
The last time Lexington received at least 5 inches of snow in December was in 2010, when 12.4 inches of snow fell on the city that month. That total was the fifth-highest snowfall in recorded history, according to the NWS.
Lexington has received at least 5 inches of snow in December only four other times in the last 50 years, according to the NWS. The city record for the most snow in December is 19.4 inches, dating back to 1917.
Lexington received about 2.5 inches of snow from the Dec. 11 overnight storm. An additional half-inch fell Dec. 13, according to the NWS.
In Louisville, approximately 10.6 inches of snow have fallen this month, which is the fourth-highest amount recorded, according to the NWS. The last time Louisville received at least 10 inches of snow in December was 2000.
Northern Kentucky has also been snowed in, having received 10.8 inches of snow this month, which is the fifth-snowiest December on record, according to the NWS. The last time that area received at least 10 inches of snow in December was 2010.
The colder-than-normal December and increased snowfall could mean increased chances Kentucky will celebrate a white Christmas this year, defined as an inch of snow on the ground the morning of Dec. 25. Still, the historical probability is relatively low, one forecaster told the Herald-Leader recently, with Lexington only having recorded 20 white Christmases since 1872.
Will Lexington, KY get more snow this week?
There is only one chance for snow in the weather service’s seven-day forecast for Lexington. Temperatures are projected to drop into the low 20s the night of Thursday, Dec. 18, and rain and snow showers before 1 a.m. are possible.
The high for Thursday is 55 degrees, and there is a 90% chance of precipitation that day. The NWS said a cold front will pass through the region in the evening, which could turn some of the waning rain showers into snow flurries.
The NWS said there are no concerns with any potential snowfall, as the warm and wet surfaces should prevent any accumulation.
