Frankfort, Kentucky – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 could bring above-normal snowfall across Kentucky, increasing the likelihood of winter weather impacts statewide.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Kentucky is included in a broad corridor of elevated snowfall probabilities stretching from the Midwest into the Ohio Valley and central Appalachians. The outlook points to a higher chance of prolonged or more frequent snow activity compared to typical February conditions.
Unlike many winters where snowfall is confined mainly to northern or eastern sections, the February 2026 guidance suggests snow potential may extend across much of the state. This includes northern Kentucky along the Ohio River, central regions, and parts of eastern and western Kentucky that typically experience more variable winter precipitation.
CPC monthly outlooks do not provide specific snowfall totals or storm timing. Instead, they evaluate how overall snowfall during the month may compare to long-term averages. For Kentucky, the guidance indicates cumulative snowfall or the number of snow events could exceed normal February levels.
Temperature outlooks show near-normal conditions across most of the state during February. This temperature pattern increases the likelihood that winter systems produce snow rather than rain or mixed precipitation, particularly during overnight and stronger cold-air intrusions.
Neighboring states including Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri are also included in the above-normal snowfall zone, reinforcing confidence in a regional winter pattern rather than isolated storms.
Commuters, students, and freight operators across Kentucky are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as February approaches, when outlooks are refined and confidence increases closer to the season.
