Lexington, Kentucky – Central and eastern Kentucky are entering a prolonged stretch of Arctic cold that is expected to linger from late January well into February, with freezing and near-freezing conditions becoming the norm and little sign of meaningful relief before Valentine’s Day. From downtown Lexington and the University of Kentucky campus to the winding roads of the Cumberland Plateau, winter is tightening its grip across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor below-normal temperatures across eastern portions of the Ohio Valley. Multiple outlook periods indicate repeated surges of Arctic air, reinforcing cold conditions across central and eastern Kentucky as February begins.
In Lexington, Nicholasville, and surrounding Bluegrass communities, daytime highs may struggle to climb out of the 30s during the coldest stretches, while overnight lows frequently dip into the 20s, with colder pockets in rural areas. Along the I-75 corridor and open farmland, light winds will still allow heat to escape quickly after sunset, increasing freeze concerns. Farther east, communities such as Hazard, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, and Whitesburg face harsher conditions, with colder air settling into valleys overnight. Single-digit temperatures are possible during the coldest nights, especially in sheltered hollows and higher elevations near Pine Mountain.
Extended cold raises the risk of frozen pipes, vehicle issues, and cold-related health concerns. Frostbite can develop quickly during prolonged outdoor exposure, and hypothermia risks increase for anyone without adequate shelter or heating. Residents are urged to insulate plumbing, check heating systems, bring pets indoors, and limit time outside during overnight and early morning hours. Travel along the Mountain Parkway and rural eastern Kentucky roads should be approached with caution, especially during the coldest nights.
While brief moderation may occur, longer-range signals suggest central and eastern Kentucky may remain locked in this cold pattern until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories remain possible as winter maintains its hold on the region.
