Kentucky – The air already feels heavy across the Louisville metro, and the hottest hours of the day are still ahead. Heat will build quickly through the afternoon, pushing “feels-like” temperatures near 110 degrees while isolated thunderstorms later in the day could briefly interrupt the dangerous stretch of summer weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT) until 9 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. CDT) for north-central Kentucky and portions of south-central Indiana, including Louisville, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Jeffersonville, New Albany and Bowling Green. Heat index values are expected to reach 110 degrees, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Louisville is forecast to reach 93 degrees this afternoon under partly sunny skies, with heat index values climbing as high as 106 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops this evening, bringing localized downpours and occasional lightning to parts of the metro. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, a few stronger storms could briefly impact travel along Interstates 64, 65 and 71 during the evening commute.
The dangerous heat is part of a larger heat wave stretching across much of the central and southeastern United States. Relief is on the horizon as a weak front gradually pushes into the Ohio Valley, allowing temperatures to ease by midweek.
By Tuesday, highs remain hot near 92 degrees, but humidity slowly begins to decrease. Wednesday brings abundant sunshine with a high near 87 degrees, followed by pleasant late-July weather Thursday before scattered showers return toward the end of the week.
If you must be outside today, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks in air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon. Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short time.
Long-range outlooks continue to favor above-normal temperatures into the 6-to-10-day period, suggesting the broader summer heat pattern will remain in place despite this week’s brief cooldown.
Five-Day Forecast for Louisville, Kentucky
- Today: Partly sunny. High 93°. Heat index up to 106°. 30% chance of evening showers and thunderstorms.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 92°. Heat index near 102°.
- Wednesday: Sunny with a high near 87°.
- Thursday: Sunny with a high near 88°.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High 89°. 20% chance of afternoon showers.
