Severe storms, then possible snow in the forecast for KY this week. Here’s when
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- NWS warns Thursday storms in Kentucky may produce large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes.
- Cold front moves through Thursday night, pushing morning temperatures into the 40s–50s.
- Multiple precipitation rounds follow; rain expected, light snow possible Saturday night.
A severe storm in the forecast could produce a tornado and other hazards in Kentucky later this week.
Rounds of scattered showers and storms will likely develop over the region Thursday afternoon and evening, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast. The warmer temperatures this week will provide fuel for the storms, which could make them strong to severe.
The storms are expected to start in the afternoon of Feb. 19 and last through the evening, according to the NWS. The main hazards include large hail, damaging wind gusts and the possibility of an isolated tornado.
Much of Kentucky is included in the severe storm threat. The northwestern parts of the state, including Lexington and Louisville, are at a slight risk for severe weather, which is the second-lowest risk out of five in the NWS’ storm prediction center outlook.
Slight risk implies that severe thunderstorms with varying levels of intensity are expected, according to the weather service. Many more parts of the state are at a marginal risk for severe weather, which implies severe storms of either limited intensity and longevity.
Cold temperatures to follow severe weather
The NWS said a cold front will push through the region Thursday night, dropping temperatures into the 40s and low 50s by Friday, Feb. 20. The temperatures will warm up into the 50s and 60s later that day, but drop into the upper 30s and low 40s Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23.
“Sunday night looks like the coldest of the period by far with lows back in the low to mid 20s,” NWS meteorologists said in the area forecast discussion.
Multiple rounds of precipitation are also expected to accompany the cold front. The weather service said most of the precipitation is expected to be rain, but snow showers are possible for Saturday night.
Any potential snowfall would be minimal.
This story was originally published February 17, 2026 at 7:16 AM.
