Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky is bracing for a prolonged and dangerous stretch of winter weather as Arctic air settles firmly over the Ohio Valley, with little indication of a quick warm-up through early to mid-February. Temperatures are expected to plunge this weekend, with overnight lows dropping well below normal statewide and daytime highs struggling to climb out of the cold.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, outlooks from late January through mid-February strongly favor much below normal temperatures across the central U.S. This same Arctic pattern is driving extreme cold across the Midwest, where parts of Minnesota are facing lows near minus 60 degrees, while pushing freezing air deep into Kentucky and the surrounding region.
For Kentucky, the most immediate concern is wintry precipitation this weekend. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible, particularly across northern and eastern portions of the state, creating slick travel along I-64, I-65, I-75, the Western Kentucky Parkway, and secondary roads. Rapid temperature drops also raise the risk of frost quakes, frozen pipes, power strain, and hazardous early-morning commutes.
Looking ahead, only brief temperature moderation is possible, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, protect exposed plumbing, prepare vehicles for extreme cold, and stay alert as additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts may be issued while this Arctic outbreak remains entrenched.
