Kentucky – Wet pavement glistens under streetlights as cold air pours in, turning last night’s rain into a hidden hazard. Gusty winds sweep across the Ohio Valley, drying some roads while others quietly ice over before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, an arctic cold front is pushing through early, dropping temperatures into the upper 20s and low 30s by daybreak. West-northwest winds continue to gust, helping dry some surfaces. However, leftover moisture combined with falling temperatures creates a real risk for black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and elevated ramps.
The most dangerous travel window sits early this morning. Areas along I-64, I-65, and I-71 may see slick spots that appear suddenly, even where roads look merely wet. Spotty flurries are also possible, adding to brief reductions in traction. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time through the morning commute.
Conditions gradually stabilize later today as sunshine increases. Highs reach the mid-30s, helping improve travel by midday. Tonight turns mostly clear, and temperatures fall again near the upper 20s. Any melted moisture can refreeze after dark, reopening slick patches in quieter neighborhoods and parking lots.
Saturday brings a welcome break. Sunshine returns with highs climbing into the low 50s, improving regional travel conditions. Sunday stays cooler but dry, keeping roads in good shape for local trips.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, attention shifts to early next week. Rain chances increase by Monday night into Tuesday, followed by another temperature swing. Meteorologists are watching for a possible warm-to-cold change later next week that could reintroduce freeze or slick-road concerns just before Christmas.
Plan extra time this morning. Watch bridges closely. Traveling for the holidays? What road conditions are you seeing where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Louisville
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 51
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 41
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 47
- Tuesday: Showers possible, high near 53
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, milder, high near 59
