Two rounds of severe storms possible Wednesday in Kentucky. Here’s what to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two storm rounds Wednesday: morning 4–10 a.m., afternoon 2–8 p.m.
- Morning storms: isolated hail/wind; marginal risk for NW border counties.
- Afternoon storms: damaging wind and a few spin‑up tornadoes, greatest risk NE.
Two rounds of severe storms are expected to pass through Kentucky on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The first round of storms is expected to hit between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the second between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to the NWS. The second rounds of storms projects to be more severe.
For the morning wave of storms, the NWS only has the most northwestern counties of Kentucky, bordering southern Illinois and Indiana, under marginal risk for severe weather. Marginal risk is the lowest risk out of five in the NWS’ storm prediction center outlook and implies severe storms of either limited intensity and longevity.
Isolated pockets of hail and wind gusts are the main threats of the morning storms. The NWS said the chances for severe weather diminishes more toward southeastern Kentucky, as a stronger layer of warm air will suppress the storms.
The afternoon wave of storms projects to be more severe, as virtually all of Kentucky is under a slight risk for severe weather, 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.
Damaging wind gusts and a few spin-up tornadoes are the main threats with the afternoon storms. The NWS said the greatest tornado risk is in Kentucky’s most northeastern counties.
The NWS the afternoon wave of storms could be less severe than expected if the morning storms are more persistent and widespread. But if the storms are limited during the first wave, the storms in the second wave could be more enhanced.
Most of Kentucky has a 2% to 4% chance of experiencing a tornado and a 15% to 29% chance of experiencing severe wind from the afternoon storms.
Lingering rain showers will persist in the region until sunrise Thursday. A cold front will follow behind the showers and limit Thursday’s temperatures in the upper 40s and low-to-mid 50s.
The NWS’ seven-day forecast for Lexington project’s Thursday’s high to be 49 degrees. The temperature is expected to warm back up into the low 60s Friday and Saturday and the low 70s on Sunday.
Cold temperatures and possible snow showers are expected to kick off the beginning of next week. The NWS said temperatures will likely drop 25 to 30 degrees from Sunday to Monday, and medium- to long-range weather models suggest wintry showers are possible.
Lexington’s projected high for Monday is 37 degrees, according to the seven-day forecast.
This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 7:32 AM.
