Oppressive Heat Continues Across the Bluegrass We’re starting off another day on a warm and muggy note across central and eastern Kentucky, and the heat isn’t letting up anytime soon. Temperatures have already climbed into the mid to upper 80s this morning and will continue rising into the lo w to mid 90s this afternoon. Combined with high humidity, it will feel even hotter outside, with heat index values climbing between 100 and 105 degrees for many locations. A few isolated spots, especially farther west, could briefly see heat index values exceed 110 degrees. Other than a little patchy valley fog early this morning, skies will remain mostly sunny to partly sunny throughout the day, allowing temperatures to climb quickly by this afternoon. Extreme Heat Warning Remains in Effect The dangerous stretch of heat continues, with an Extreme Heat Warning remaining in effect across the entire viewing area through the rest of the week. This prolonged period of hot temperatures combined with very high humidity is increasing the risk for heat-related illnesses, especially since overnight temperatures are only dropping into the 70s. In some locations, temperatures may not fall below 80 degrees for much of the night, providing very little relief from the daytime heat. If you have to spend time outdoors over the next several days: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family members who may not have reliable air conditioning. With several consecutive days of dangerous heat expected, it’s important to continue taking precautions. Storm Chances Return Later This Week While today is expected to remain dry, we’ll begin to see our typical summertime weather pattern return as we head into Thursday. As the strong area of high pressure slowly shifts east, additional moisture will begin moving back into Kentucky. That will allow isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms to develop starting Thursday, with rain chances gradually increasing through the holiday weekend and into early next week. These won’t be all-day rain events or washouts. Instead, we’ll see scattered, hit-or-miss thunderstorms that develop during the heat of the afternoon before diminishing later in the evening. Typical Summer Storms Could Bring Heavy Rain Although widespread severe weather isn’t expected, any storm that develops will have plenty of moisture available to work with. Because winds high in the atmosphere will remain fairly light, storms will move slowly and could produce torrential downpours in a short amount of time. Localized flash flooding will be possible in areas that receive repeated heavy rainfall, while collapsing thunderstorms could also produce brief strong wind gusts and frequent lightning. If you hear thunder during the afternoon or evening, remember to head indoors until the storm passes. Fourth of July Forecast Looking Hot With a Few Afternoon Storms If you have outdoor plans for the Fourth of July holiday, the weather is looking fairly typical for early July in Kentucky. We’ll continue to see hot and humid conditions, although temperatures may ease back just slightly compared to the middle of the week. Afternoon highs will still reach the low 90s with plenty of humidity. As we head into the later afternoon and evening hours on the Fourth of July, there will be the chance for a few isolated showers and thunderstorms to develop. Not everyone will see rain, and many communities will remain dry, but it’s something you’ll want to keep an eye on if you have outdoor celebrations or fireworks planned. Those daily afternoon and evening storm chances will continue through the remainder of the holiday weekend and into early next week. ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast Wednesday: Mostly sunny, dangerously hot, and very humid. High temperatures in the low to mid 90s with heat index values between 100 and 105+, with a few locations briefly exceeding 110 degrees. Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, warm, and muggy. Overnight lows only falling into the low to mid 70s with patchy valley fog possible by daybreak. Thursday: Hot and humid once again with highs in the low to mid 90s. Isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms develop, with any storm capable of heavy downpours, gusty winds, frequent lightning, and localized flash flooding. Categories: Featured, Local Weather Headlines, Storm Team Weather Blog, Weather, Weather Forecast Tags: ABC 36 Storm Team, Extreme Heat Warning, Fourth of July forecast, Heat Index Kentucky, holiday weekend weather, Kentucky Forecast, Kentucky heat wave, Kentucky thunderstorms, Kentucky weather, Lexington forecast, Lexington Weather, summer weather Kentucky ...read more read less