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**A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for all of south central Kentucky until 6pm this evening**
**A Wind Chill Warning is in effect for all of south central Kentucky from 3pm this afternoon through 6pm Thursday**
This Afternoon – Scat’d Snow Squalls – 17˚↓ / Tonight – Gradual Clearing – Low -10˚ (Wind Chill -20˚ to -30˚)
Scattered snow squalls are currently impacting the region, leading to visibility and additional travel issues (as if it really matters at this point). Luckily, these are not widespread, but more scattered and sporadic.
The HRRR simulated radar model below loops hourly from 3pm this afternoon until 7pm tonight. As you can see, these scat’d pockets of robust snow will diminish rapidly after sunset:
Anyone impacted by these squalls could see a quick dusting to 1/2″ of additional snow accumulation.
Dangerous Record Breaking Temperatures Anticipated Tonight
Winds will continue to punish the area through this afternoon, howling at 20 to 30 mph. This will lead to temperatures continuing to tank as we progress through the remainder of today and into the night. Temp values currently located in the teens will plummet into the single digits shortly after sunset. Wind chill values will fall to subzero values before sunset.
Tonight, temperatures will continue to fall, eventually bottoming out around -10˚. With northwesterly winds sticking around, wind chill values of -20˚ to -30˚ will be possible. Please take all of the necessary precautions to combat the record breaking cold temperatures.
Close off all ventilation to crawl spaces, keep snow cleared away from heat pumps, and most importantly, avoid disasters by opening your cabinets and letting your faucet(s) drip through the night.
Do NOT be outdoors for long periods of time in these temperatures. All pets and livestock should be taking care of accordingly. Any livestock left out in these conditions will fall victim to serious cold stress and hypothermia.
Thu 2/19 – Mostly Sunny & COLD – High 8˚ / Thu Night – Increasing Clouds – Low -8˚
Another bout of record cold temperatures are expected Thursday, as an arctic high coincides with ample snow on the ground to limit highs to the single digits. As if that wasn’t cold enough, even a slight wind will cause wind chills remain below zero.
These wind chills will be dangerously low for the morning commute, so refrain from being outside for long periods of time. Subzero temperatures will make an appearance once again on Thursday night, with lows falling between -5° and -15°. The model below is valid for 6am Friday morning:
Fri 2/20 – Scat’d Snow Showers – High 27˚ / Fri Night – Wintry Mix – Low 24˚
The last day of the work week will start rather frigid, however, we’ll actually get a breather from the record cold. With a frontal boundary positioned across the southern U.S., southerly flow will send tamps scampering into the upper 20s Friday afternoon; near 30° around midnight. The timing of this front will create a seemingly strange trend in the temperatures, as Friday’s high will also be Friday night’s low.
Along with the warming temperatures, Friday also brings the next chance of precipitation. As of right now, this system looks to begin Friday afternoon as snow, then transition to a snow/sleet wintry mix Friday night. Accumulations will be possible with this disturbance.
The precipitation will conclude as rain, with temperatures warming far above freezing by midday Saturday. The latest GFS model, displayed below, is valid for 6am Saturday, and paints widespread rain across the area:
Keep in mind this is just one model. Other models keep us under the influence of frozen precipitation until around noon Saturday. This may result in a weather headline being issued by the NWS before too long. We’ll have to wait and see.
With heavy rain anticipated Saturday, along with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 40s, we could run into minor flooding concerns across the region. This is of course also credit to the thick snowpack that is currently in place.
That will wrap up the afternoon update. As always, stay in touch with @WarrenCountyWX and @WxOrNotBG for the latest weather info. Have a safe night, and stay warm!