Kentucky greets the morning with clear skies and hard cold. Frost coats windshields, and sidewalks crunch under early footsteps. That winter feel softens briefly, but a fast-moving December weather shift is already lining up for Louisville by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures climb steadily through Wednesday as clouds increase. Highs reach the upper 40s, easing travel concerns and allowing roads to dry. That mild stretch will be short-lived, setting the stage for a wet and colder change.
Showers spread into the Louisville metro Thursday morning and continue through the afternoon. Temperatures rise near 55 degrees, pushing well above normal for mid-December. Wet pavement and occasional gusts could slow traffic on I-64, I-65, and I-71 during peak travel hours.
Conditions begin to change quickly after sunset Thursday. Colder air moves in behind the rain, allowing temperatures to fall into the low 20s by early Friday. Rain may briefly mix with snow as the system exits, especially north and east of downtown. Any lingering moisture could refreeze fast.
This setup raises concern for black ice. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads may turn slick with little warning. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and remain alert late Thursday night and early Friday.
Friday turns colder but quieter, with sunshine returning and highs near the low 30s. The weekend looks calmer overall, with milder afternoons by Saturday but continued chilly mornings. Meteorologists say this pattern reflects a classic early-winter transition as Christmas travel ramps up across the Ohio Valley.
Residents should use the midweek calm to prepare vehicles and travel plans. Winter conditions can escalate quickly this time of year.
5-Day Outlook for Louisville
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 48
- Thursday: Showers likely, high near 55
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 33
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 50
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 48
