Louisville, Ky. – Bright sunshine is warming streets across the Louisville metro late Monday morning, but today’s quiet weather won’t last long. Summer heat is building this afternoon, and a stronger round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to arrive Tuesday, bringing a renewed threat for travel slowdowns across Kentucky and southern Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, skies will remain mostly sunny through much of Monday with afternoon temperatures climbing to around 90 degrees. Light winds will offer little relief, and humidity will push the heat index close to 95 to 100 degrees during the warmest part of the day. Anyone spending extended time outdoors should stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
The weather pattern becomes more active on Tuesday as a cold front approaches the Ohio Valley. Meteorologists are now tracking widespread showers and thunderstorms developing mainly before mid-afternoon and continuing through the day. Rain chances increase to 70 percent, with locally heavy downpours and wind gusts approaching 21 mph possible in stronger storms.
Drivers on Interstates 64, 65, 71, and the Gene Snyder Freeway should prepare for reduced visibility, wet pavement, and slower travel Tuesday. While widespread severe weather is not currently anticipated, a few stronger storms could produce gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief flooding in poor drainage areas. An isolated severe storm cannot be ruled out as the front moves across the region.
By Tuesday evening, showers gradually diminish, although scattered rain may linger before skies begin clearing. Behind the front, noticeably cooler and less humid air settles into the region.
Wednesday brings a welcome change with abundant sunshine and a high near 82 degrees. Pleasant summer weather continues Thursday with another high around 82 degrees, before temperatures edge upward again toward the middle 80s by Friday.
Long-range outlooks continue to signal above-normal temperatures returning later next week, meaning this midweek break from the heat may be temporary.
Five-Day Forecast for Louisville, Kentucky
- Monday: Mostly sunny. High 90°F.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 90°F. 70% chance of rain with gusts up to 21 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny and less humid. High 82°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 82°F.
- Friday: Partly sunny. High 83°F.
