Kentucky wakes to a sharp winter bite this morning, with crisp air burning cheeks and frost clinging to windshields across western counties. Streets look dry at first glance, but shaded spots feel slick as winter tightens its grip early in December.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, temperatures dipped into the single digits early, with wind chills near zero during the morning commute. The coldest air settled near and north of the I-64 corridor, where even light winds intensified the chill. Residents are urged to bundle up and limit prolonged exposure outdoors.
Conditions improve steadily by afternoon. Sunshine pushes highs into the upper 30s, helping melt lingering frost. Drivers should still watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses through mid-morning, especially in rural areas and low-traffic roads.
By Tuesday, a noticeable warmup arrives. Highs climb into the upper 40s under mostly sunny skies, easing travel concerns but setting up a classic December transition. As temperatures rise, melted moisture may refreeze after sunset, creating patchy slick spots late.
Wednesday brings increasing clouds and milder air, with highs reaching the low 50s. Meteorologists are tracking a developing system that introduces rain chances Wednesday night into Thursday. Wet pavement, gusty winds, and reduced visibility could impact commuters, especially during early holiday travel.
Thursday turns breezy and wet, with highs nearing 60 degrees. For now, precipitation falls as rain, but colder air quickly returns behind the system. By Friday morning, temperatures drop back toward freezing, raising concerns for flash freezing if roads remain damp.
Looking ahead to the weekend, conditions trend cooler but calmer. Highs settle near 40 Friday, then rebound into the 50s Saturday with another chance for showers. Sunday stays unsettled, keeping December’s weather pattern active.
Five-Day Outlook:
• Today: Sunny, high near 38.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 48.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 53.
• Thursday: Showers likely, breezy, high near 59.
• Friday: Sunny, colder, high near 40.
