How much precipitation has Lexington had this month ahead of weekend winter storm?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Through Jan. 21 Lexington recorded 1.0 in rain and 0.9 in snow versus normals.
- NWS projects 70% chance Lexington gets >8 in snow, 40–50% chance >12 in, 70% major impacts.
- Winter storm watch runs late Friday night through Monday; officials advise avoid travel.
Lexington has seen less rain and snow than a typical January so far this month, but that could change after a major weekend snowstorm.
Through Jan. 21, Lexington received 1 inch of rain and 0.9 inches of snow. The monthly average for the city since the National Weather Service began tracking precipitation in 1988 is 3.88 inches of rain and 5.6 inches of snow.
On Wednesday, Lexington received 0.18 inches of rain and only a trace of snow. A trace is defined by the NWS as snowfall that never accumulates above 0.1 inches because it melts as it lands on the ground.
At this time last year, Lexington had already recorded 1.82 inches of rain and 13.1 inches of snow. Lexington finished the month with 13.1 inches of snow, which was tied for the 14th-snowiest January since 1888, according to the NWS.
But this month’s snowfall could still surmount last year’s, as an impactful winter storm is projected to hit Kentucky this weekend. There is a 70% chance that Lexington will receive more than 8 inches of snow and a 50% to 60% chance of exceeding 12 inches of snow, according to the NWS.
The snowstorm is expected to arrive in the region between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and depart around midnight Sunday into Monday. The NWS said the snowstorm could cause major impacts, which are defined as considerable disruptions to daily life, dangerous to impossible driving conditions and widespread closures.
There is a 60% chance Lexington experiences major impacts, according to the NWS. Ice accumulations of around two-tenths of an inch are also possible.
The storm is being fueled by three key ingredients: lift, moisture and cold air. NWS meteorologist Brian Schoettmer told the Herald-Leader on Wednesday that these three elements make it possible to produce rare and large snowstorms like the one forecast for this weekend.
The NWS issued a winter storm watch for the entire state Wednesday in anticipation of the snowstorm. A few Western Kentucky counties are under a winter storm warning, as 8 to 13 inches of snow are expected in the area.
The advisories are in effect from late Friday night through Monday morning.
WKYT meteorologist Chris Bailey expects snowfall to begin in Western and Southern Kentucky on Saturday morning. The snow showers will expand across the rest of the state throughout the afternoon and increase in intensity by late afternoon.
Bailey expects several inches of snow to fall during the day. More snowfall is projected for the evening hours, and areas of Eastern and Southern Kentucky could get sleet and freezing rain.
More heavy snow is forecast for Sunday. Bailey said the snow could continue into Monday before tapering off to flurries and dry conditions.
“Please be weather-aware, avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a Facebook post. “We will keep sharing more information as available.”
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 11:13 AM.
