Kentucky wakes under a hard December chill as Arctic air presses across the Ohio Valley. Frost coats windshields, breath clouds the air, and the cold bites fast during early errands.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wind chills have dropped as low as –5°F, with actual temperatures near 7°F early. Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Residents are urged to layer up, limit time outside, and check on elderly neighbors. Pets should remain indoors.
Travel impacts are modest but meaningful. Roads are mostly dry, yet black ice may form on bridges and shaded ramps where moisture lingered. Drivers along I-64, I-65, and I-71 should slow down and allow extra braking distance during the morning hours.
Conditions improve by afternoon as sunshine takes hold. Highs reach around 30°F, easing the worst of the cold. The pattern then shifts quickly. By Tuesday, highs climb into the low 40s, followed by upper 40s Wednesday as milder air spreads north.
Meteorologists are watching a developing system for Wednesday night into Thursday. Showers become likely Thursday, with highs near 55°F. That warmth comes with a catch. As colder air returns Thursday night, a rain-to-snow changeover is possible, especially north and west of Louisville. Even light accumulation could turn wet pavement slick late.
Looking toward the extended weekend, temperatures cool again. Highs settle into the 30s and low 50s, keeping winter firmly in play as holiday travel ramps up.
5-Day Outlook for Louisville, KY
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 41°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 48°F
- Thursday: Showers likely, high near 55°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 34°F
- Saturday: Chance of showers, high near 52°F
